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CCPffilGHT DEPOSfE 



DEAD MEN'S 
SHOES 



or 



The One Hundred Per Cent 
Inheritance Tax 



By Val de Mar 



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5 



COPYRIGHT 

The Dent Publishing Co. 
1920 



May \2 1920 


PRESS of 

The Hicks -Judd Company. Inc. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

4.:. "■■'' 


©C!,A565898 



Truth is that basic lazv which gov- 
erns the functioning of all other laws 
throughout eternity. 

And one of these laws decrees that a 
price must he paid for everything zve 
obtain, whether good or evil — cling to 
greed and accept evil; renjoimce greed 
and receive good. 



Why should the soil know what hand 
casts the seed? 

If the soil is good, the conditions pro- 
pitious and the seed sound, it will germ- 
inate, grow, blossom and bear fruit. 

We are all prone to ask the old ques- 
tion: "Can anything good come out of 
Nazareth f and to judge the work by the 
instrumentality of its making. 

Therefore, let the leaven of truth and 
justice in these lines come to you in its 
own strength and without sponsorship. 



CONTENTS 

The Pro and Con of It 11-104 

Putting a Meter on Your Windpipe . . 105-112 

Old Man Noah's "Shoes" 113-126 

Happy Days in the Moon .... 127-142 

Old Satan Turns a Trick ..... 143-161 

Democracy Come True 162-245 



The Telepsychophone 

The Iconoclast has been very fortunate to have 
such a wonderful instrument — the only one in existence 
— placed at his service. 

The reference is made to the Universal Wireless 
Tele-psychic-phone. 

The local instrument performs all the work of re- 
ceiving and transmitting. Anything spoken into the 
instrument may be heard by anyone giving attention, 
irrespective of the distance. Anything spoken, within 
the distance that the instrument has been set for, is 
picked up by the wireless feelers, passed through the 
micro-psycho attachment, which, should several persons 
speak at the same time, automatically selects the speech 
that is most pertinent and eliminates any sound not 
pertinent to the subject under discussion. 

Thus the speaker at the instrument may be heard 
by anyone giving attention, in any part of the country. 
Anyone wishing to reply may do so by simply speaking 
out aloud, wherever he may be. The spoken word, 
traversing the air, is picked up by the wireless feelers, 
passed through the micro-psycho attachment for elim- 
ination and selection, reconstructed into sounds, 
flashed on the phonetic sounding board, which instan- 
taneously retransmits it so that all those giving at- 
tention may hear. 



Thus the whole country is converted into one gi- 
gantic auditorium. 

Owing to the inabiUty to make an absolutely accu- 
rate adjustment of this delicate instrument, intruding 
voices, of persons who are not giving attention, nor 
taking part in the discussion, will sometimes be audi- 
ble; but their utterances are always, in a greater or 
less degree, germane to the subject. 

It will be noticed that the instrument sometimes 
cuts into the middle of a speech or lecture, and leaves 
off as abruptly, contingent upon its relevance to the 
subject that the psycho-phone has been set for. 



Dead Men's Shoes 

or 

The One-Hundred Per Cent Inheritance Tax 

THE PRO AND CON OF IT 

The psych ophone being set for subject : *'The Eco- 
nomic Problem" ; and distance : The United States — 
the Iconoclast presses a button, sending the electrical 
current humming and vibrating through the instru- 
ment. Brrrrr-rrrr-rrr-rr-r-r-r-r-r 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. (^) 
Brrr-rr-rr-r-Y 

'When all the temple is prepared ivithin, 
'Why nods the drowsy worshipper outside?" 
Brrr-rr-rr-r-r 
"Open then the door: 

"You know how little while we have to stay, 
"And, once departed, may return no more." 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Fellow citizens! Have you ever heard of "dead 
men's shoes"? 

You may answer: "Dead men wear no shoes." 
x\nd yet, our country, as well as every other coun- 
try, is full of them,. Some are very large, strong and 



(*) Omar Khayyam. 



12 Dead Men's Shoes 

heavy, and incumber and obstruct the highways and 
byways ; making progress very difficult, very laborious, 
and almost impossible for the feet of the majority of 
the living. 

While many of these 'Mead men's shoes" are worth 
thousands and some are worth many millions of dol- 
lars, a large multitude of the living, struggling along 
these highways and byways, are barefoot, many are 
cut and bleeding and some perish by the way. "Shoes" 
everywhere, all shapes and sizes, some ugly and some 
beautiful; but all denoting comfort, all afford protec- 
tion against the rough road, and all are capable of 
safeguarding feet against bruises and cuts. 

Perhaps the question arises in your mind: "Why 
are the living going barefoot, bruising and cutting 
their feet, when so many dead men's shoes are about ?" 

Because the "dead men's shoes" have claimants. 
Some of the "shoes" have a number of them. And they 
use these large "shoes" as a sort of improvised house- 
boat : tucking themselves snugly inside, while they em- 
ploy some of the barefoot- fellows to drag them along 
the highway. 

The larger and heavier the "shoes" and the greater 
the number of barefoot- fellows employed in their 
manipulation, the more important db the occupants 
consider themselves, and the more indispensable do 
they imagine the service they render society in per- 
mitting the barefoot-fellows to take care of them. 

Sometimes we find a very large, heavy pair that 
makes us think the dead man must have been of gigan- 



Pro and Con of It 13 

tic proportions^ — and perhaps he was — and we would 
have experienced the same feeHng that overcomes us 
when contemplating the Sphinx or the Pyramids, if it 
were not for the ludicrous fact that they are occupied 
— yes, that's the word, occupied — by a little pigmy. No, 
he could not wear them. He crawls into, and uses, one 
little corner and makes himself very comfortable there. 

But, should anyone attempt to trespass upon any 
part of his unoccupied domain, beware, the little fellow 
has a very loud voice and plenty of barefoot retainers, 
ready to do his bidding, to repulse and expel the 
invaders. 

Because some of these "shoes" are of huge dimen- 
sions does not always prove that the original owner 
was a very large man; for the majority of the bare- 
foot-fellows are very good "shoemakers" and, to avoid 
starvation, accept employment from the "shoes" occu- 
pants. Many of the barefoot-fellows are continually 
working on these old "shoes" — keeping them in trim, 
stretching, mending and even enlarging them. 

You may wonder why they do not make "shoes" 
for their own feet, since they are such good "shoe- 
makers" ? 

But they have no material. 

Whenever a piece of "leather" is found in the 
highway, all the old "shoes" in the neighborhood hurry, 
scrambling, to see who can cover it, and it generally 
goes to the 'heaviest pair. 



14 Dead Men's Shoes . 

Bare feet — cut and bleeding — what show have 
they? They only get stepped on, mashed and kicked 
about. 

So, the best they can do is to hop aboard a large, 
heavy pair and assist the owner in the fray. 

Sometimes, in the contention for these pieces of 
"leather", bitter fights ensue; when it becomes very 
important for the barefoot-fellows to choose the right 
party to assist. Woe betide him who picks the loser. 
He shall soon find himself kicked out into a cold world, 
where his only hope will be to prostrate himself be- 
fore the victor and serve him by helping to gather in 
the pieces of the "shoes" of the defeated opponent. 

During these bitter fights for stray pieces of "leath- 
er" and "shoe" material, no consideration is given to 
anything else. Religion is thrown overboard, ethical 
rules are forgotten, pity, compassion and the cause of 
humanity have no place here; even the laws are vio- 
lated and crimes committed to obtain the much coveted 
material. 

Many different sizes of "shoes" may be involved 
in the melee ; the smaller and lightly constructed ones 
being soon torn to pieces, their occupants stripped and 
turned out among the barefoot ones, being now more 
helpless than they. Women and children, previously 
ensconsed in neat little "shoes", are turned out on the 
highway, barefoot ; while the remnants are gathered up 
— being highly valuable for the enlargement of the 
heavy, victorious pair. 



Pro and Con of It 15 

The excitement is great during these contests, the 
hordes of barefoot retainers being marshalled by their 
respective "shoe-proprietors" and everyone trying, with 
all the means at his disposal, to accomplish the ruin of 
his opponents. As the battle rages, women and chil- 
dren weep, men kill one another and commit suicide — 
nothing matters — only one thing is of importance: to 
secure and gather in ''shoe" material. 

The occupants of the large and heavy "shoes" em- 
ploy an army of barefoot retainers; each one having 
his specially assigned duty, for the benefit and welfare 
of the "shoes". In return for this service they are 
kept from dying of starvation, and the most efficient 
ones are doled out a little material, enabling them, ulti- 
mately, to fashion a tiny pair of "shoes" of their own. 

Sometimes this army of barefoot-fellows organize, 
for mutual strength and protection. Wearying of be- 
ing kept on a "shoe-string", they demand that a little 
material be handed out to them — something more out 
of the abundance they daily and monthly augment to 
the heavy "shoes" — at least enough to make a light 
pair of "sandals", to save their "soles". A satisfactory 
compromise is generally effected whereby they may 
continue to improve and strengthen the heavy old 
"shoes". 

But it never seems to occur to the barefoot-fellows 
that they could do very well without the occupants of 
these "dead men's shoes". 

That the material which nature has produced, and 
which they, themselves, have assembled to make all 



16 Dead Men's Shoes 

these heavy old "shoes", is sufficient to give each and 
every one of the barefoot- fellows a very serviceable 
pair of "shoes". 

That if some agreement could be arrived at to 
change this system of scramble and fight for materials 
— which makes force master, which gives victory and 
success and, consequently, the material to the strong 
and heavy pair of "shoes" that is able to trample all 
the others underfoot — the "shoe" material, in place of 
being appropriated and made into a few heavy pairs, 
entirely too large for the occupants to wear, would be 
obtainable by all the bare foot- fellows, with less effort 
than they are exerting now. 

The large, heavy pairs which, in place of being used 
as "shoes", have been turned into houseboats where 
the occupants loll, would be cut up and the material 
used for the benefit of all. 

You may wonder how the present occupants of 
these "dead men's shoes" came into possession of them. 
Let us trace the history of one pair. 

The name of the designer of this pair was John 
de Roughshod. He had a nose singularly keen for 
"shoe" material; his scent being so highly developed 
that hardly a piece of "leather" escaped detection and 
the planting of his "shoes" upon it, on the highway 
which he chose to travel. Consequently, with the as- 
sistance of a large army of barefoot retainers, his 
"shoes" grew to an enormous size. They even passed 
the houseboat classification and developed into a mon- 
strous juggernaut. The owner, while not despising 



Pro and Con of It 17 

any odd piece of "leather," had a specially keen scent for 
a certain kind which abounded along that particular 
highway. As a natural result he outdistanced all com- 
petitors, and since his "shoes" had grown to such enor- 
mous size, it was safest to give them a wide berth and 
not dispute his right to plant them upon any choice 
bit of "shoe" material that took his fancy. 

Those who did not observe this simple rule paid 
dearly for their folly. Many a trim pair of "shoes" 
were stamped to pieces and their foolish occupants 
turned out upon the highway, barefoot, cursing and 
swearing, impotently. But that is part of the game, 
and one cannot help admiring the old codger for his 
shrewdness and audacity. 

At last, realizing that his "shoe-building" days 
were numbered, he sent for his lawyer, in order to 
make his will. 

The lawyer, being a good old soul, suggested that 
now, since he had demonstrated to the world w^hat a 
clever and capable "shoe-builder" he was, he should 
cut up the old "shoes" into small pieces and scatter 
them in such manner that all the bare foot- fellows 
would each receive a tiny piece. 

"What !" fairly yelled John de Roughshod, stung to 
the quick, "do you realize the enormity of your sug- 
gestion ? 

"Do you know that I began my career as a bare- 
foot-fellow — even as one of these ? That I worked my 
way up through trials and self-abnegation? That I 
set before me a great goal, and through economy and 



18 Dead Men's Shoes 

hard labor, I have achieved it? That, when other 
young men were on pleasure bent, I studied and 
planned — I burned the midnight oil — I was ambitious 
— I saw a world of 'shoe' material to conquer and sub- 
due? Yea, I may say, with the great Caesar: 'Veni, 
Vidi, Vici; 

"Go out into the marts and whisper my name — 
John de Roughshod — behold, it is as magic^ — it is like 
oil upon the troubled waters. The wind bloweth where 
it listeth, but at the sound of my voice there is calm. 

"Go out upon the highways and watch the numer- 
ous picayune 'shoes' gathering for a fray — listen to 
the noise and clamor — but let the herald go forth and 
announce the approach of John de Roughshod's heavy 
pair of 'shoes' and you shall see them scatter, like chaff 
before the wind, to the four corners of the earth. 

"Let these barefoot- fellows, even as King Nebu- 
chadnezzar, herd with the beasts of the field and eat 
grass, and the mighty in Europe drink one another's 
blood until they are sated, but I will have 'leather', oily 
'leather' and 'shoes'. 

"You, son of a woman ! Can not you realize how I 
have toiled, schemed and built? I have enough for 
my maintenance, if I lived an eternity — it's the result 
of a most strenuous life. And you, with one stroke of 
the pen, wish to render nugatory my life work — that 
which I have dedicated my life to build up — that which 
I have made them pay me in sweat, tears, and blood — 
that which, thanks to my constructive genius, has 



Pro and Con of It 19 

grown until it is a giant, you wish to stab through 
with your little goose-quill pen. 

"Scatter among these barefoot rapscallions, indeed! 
It's a pity I have to die. But you must help, and I 
shall so circumscribe these massive 'shoes' of mine that 
when I am no more — yes, thousands of years hence — 
so long as men travel on these highways — they shall 
still continue to be the greatest 'shoes' extant. Feared 
and revered, men shall look upon them and, although 
controlled by other hands, know them for what they 
are, the handiwork of the great John de Roughshod. 

"And my name shall live in my children and dhil- 
dren's children so long as 'shoes' and highways meet — 
and they shall never be in danger of being merged with 
these barefoot-fellows — for the name is my children's 
and the 'shoes' go with the name and the name with 
the 'shoes', and they shall be one ; and the barefoot- 
fellows shall labor to keep them one, forever and for- 
ever." 

Upon the death of John de Roughshod his children 
claimed and took possession of his massive "shoes". 
This being according to law and custom of society, 
which hold that it would not be fair to require the chil- 
dren of sudh a mighty man to earn their own living. 

It is reported that a certain multi-millionaire once 
made the sage remark : "It is a disgrace for a man to 
die with his 'shoes' on." 

But is it not a far greater disgrace for a person to 
pull the "shoes" off from the dead man's feet in order 
to put them on his own ? 



20 Dead Men's Shoes 

It calls for knowledge, skill, labor and material to 
make a pair of "shoes", and, surely, it is only just to 
let the maker wear them so long as he is able. But 
what moral right have his children to them? Is it just 
and fair that these "shoes", fashioned out of material 
which nature has provided for the use of all, should be 
reserved for the benefit of a few, who did not even 
contribute to their making, while thousands upon thou- 
sands must go barefoot because the material is bound 
up in these heavy "shoes"? 

The only thing that can be said in justification of 
this system is that it is a simple and primitive rule from 
Which society has not, as yet, been able to break away. 
And, also, that this system provides profit and emolu- 
ment to the numerous members of the legal fraternity. 
First: in aiding and advising the different claimants 
in what they call their rights — although they have done 
nothing to acquire any rights — ^and, secondly: in the 
prolific legal business that grows out of this pernicious 
system of keeping these heavy "shoes" intact. 

So far as known, no one has ever been bom with 
shoes on his feet ; but a large number of individuals are 
brought up and educated with a view to, and for the 
sole purpose of, stepping into a pair as soon as the 
present wearer dies. 

That is all they came into the world for, and it is 
all they intend to do; their living is provided for, to 
the detriment of millions of their felloiw men. It is 
wrong to blame them, for when society is foolish 
enough to continue such a system, it is their privilege 



Pro and Con of It 21 

to dedicate their lives to idleness and pleasure, while 
the balance of society labors to maintain them. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE: 

Mellol 

Who is it? 

Who? 

''The Tax Collectorr 

Well, I can't spare the money. Come around after 
I am dead — never mind the hill — just pick up the leav- 
ings. You may hrrr-rr-r- 

VOICE. 

But, Sir ! It is their inalienable right — and has been 
from time immemorial — to inherit and receive the estate 
and goods of their parents. No doubt, the cave-man 
handed down his club, battle-axe and drinking horn to 
his favorite son. 

To change this time-honored custom would be worse 
than socialistic, it would be anarchistic, and disrupt the 
very foundation of organized society. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

It is not a right, but a wrong which has been perpet- 
uated and handed down from generation to generation, 
and has a tendency to make drones out of a part of so- 
ciety while it places an undue handicap against the rest. 
It may have served quite well in tiie caveman's time, but 
it is certainly out of date in our present day civilization. 

Disrupting organized society is precisely what the 
present system is doing by dividing it into distinct 



22 Dead Men's Shoes 

classes — each class having opposing interests, which 
they can advance only at the expense of every other 
class. Thus we have continual strife and class wars, 
not only between the different classes, but each in- 
dividual class is divided into smaller factions that are 
constantly striking, blindly, at one another. 

In place of considering the problem as a whole and 
adjusting matters with fairness to all parties, the policy 
of every nation, every class, every faction, and 
every man, is to get the best of every-one-else — to beat 
them to it by law, trick or force — to hold down as 
much as possible, whether able to use it or not, to 
the exclusion of everybody else. A great many of the 
present generation are forced to starvation, poverty 
and want, in order to permit a select few^ — blindly 
selected, at that — to provide liberally for unborn gen- 
erations. 

The abolition of these "dead men's shoes," in place 
of disrupting organized society, would do away with 
classes and class wars and unite society into a homoge- 
neous whole. It would give every man a fair start and 
place the question of success, or failure, squarely upon 
his own shoulders. 

We all came naked into this world : so, why should 
we not start even? 

VOICE. 

But that is impossible, in very nature of things, 
for the individuals differ in their mental as well as in 
their physical capacities. And the strong and capable 



Pro and Con of It 23 

would, right from the start, outstrip the weak and in- 
capable. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Granted ! 

And, by the same token, is not nature's handicap 
enough, without erecting artificial ones? 

The object is not to provide and maintain everyone 
in "shoes", but, by breaking up and disposing of these 
valuable old ''shoes" — the dead man having no further 
use for them — , make "shoe" material so abundant that 
every one, making an honest effort, shall not go shoe- 
less, nor his wife, nor his children. 

VOICE. 

It is senseless to talk about the erection of artificial 
handicaps or barriers against anyone, for these do not 
exist. 

We are all free men and equal and have the right to 
study, labor and advance ourselves, intellectually as 
well as in material ways ; the very constitution guaran- 
tees us this blessed boon. 

Numerous examples could be cited of men who be- 
gan with nothing and yet accumulated large fortunes. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

The artificial handicap consists in the fact that one 
man must start, to-day, with two empty hands and 
compete with a man who had someone else start for 
him one or two, perhaps many, generations ago. 



24 Dead Men's Shoes 

Thus the wealth and resources of the country— be 
it land, city property, railways, factories, etc. — are tied 
up in "shoes" of various sizes and values. 

When the possessor feels that he is about to slip 
out of his "shoes", he calls in a lawyer to assist him in 
securely fastening dov^n these precious old "shoes", 
so that should his children be fools or incapable of tak- 
ing care of themselves — their proper training having 
been neglected — ^they may yet live in luxury, no matter 
how useless they are to themselves or to society. 

This is the basis of aristocracy and snobbish class 
feeling, and is foreign to true democracy, because such 
grading of society is not founded upon deserved merit. 
But no matter how poverty stricken, we must not 
make the mistake of thinking we do not inherit any- 
thing, for every man and woman living inherits some- 
thing. 

We either fall heir to resources, or we fall heir to 
the necessity of, through our labor, maintaining the 
arbitrary value of these resources. 

If one man inherits property and resources which, 
through our system of reserving for private benefit — 
While speculating upon the necessity of others to pay 
toll for the use of it — , has gained a fictitious valuation 
of millions, others^ — 'perhaps thousands to offset the 
one — inherit the obligation, the necessity, to pay toll 
or interest, and thereby maintain this arbitrary valu- 
ation. 

This, while not generally recognized, is, neverthe- 
less, a concrete fact. 



Pro and Con of It 25 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Say, Percy! Did you hear what that 
fellow said? Must he a kink in his logic, somewhere. 

My parents transmitted and endowed me with all 
their peculiar traits and characteiistics, among which 
was a healthy appetite. 

But what is the good of it, if I am not permitted to 
receive the wherewithal they also provided and en- 
dowed me with for its gratification f 

The trouble is: there are so many people in this 
world whose view^s do not co-incide with our own. 
And, of course, they brrrr-rrr-r-r-r 

VOICE. 

I think my case will evince the fallacy of the reason- 
ing that the possession of wealth is conducive to idle- 
ness or detrimental to the welfare of society. 

I hold that accumulated wealth, in place of being a 
menace, is distinctly beneficial to society as a whole, 
since it affords a vehicle for the carrying on of large 
enterprises, without which we would retrograde and 
revert back to a very primitive and provincial mode 
of life. And while it may be true that some possessors 
of wealth are seemingly parasitical, in so far as not 
being actively engaged in business or rendering per- 
sonal service to society, this is a very small factor and 
may be considered negligable ; for the wealth they 
control is always doing useful work in one way or an- 
other. The large aggregations of wealth are absolutely 
essential for the operation of the mammoth industrial 



26 Dead Men's Shoes 

undertaking-s, without which commodities could not be 
manufactured and sold at the reasonably low prices 
that puts them within reach of all. And the very fact 
that some wealthy persons do not, actively, engage in 
industrial enterprises provides employment, at large 
salaries, for many who have the ability to fill these 
positions, but lack the necessary capital. 

My father was wealthy : but in place of giving me 
an ornamental education and permitting me to idle 
away my time, after having received a thorough 
schooling, I was started at the foot of the ladder, 
learning the business in all its various details. Pro- 
motion came step by step until I was capable of as- 
suming full charge and intelligent control of the 
wonderful business machine which my father had 
built up, entirely through his own shrewd efforts and 
business sagacity. 

Upon my father's death, I found myself the con- 
trolling owner of business establishments and property 
worth ten million dollars. 

I do not look upon this wealth as so much hoarded 
— for me to enjoy — but, rather, I feel my responsibility 
as administrator, or what may be termed "Captain of 
Industry." I guide and direct capital, and the accu- 
mulated earnings of capital, into new and profitable 
channels; thereby giving employment to a vast army 
of men at good wages and salaries, according to their 
respective abilities ; enabling them to establish homes, 
properly support their dependents and to prosper along 
with me. 



Pro and Con of It 27 

I do not beg anyone to work for me. If any of 
them can better their condition by going elsewhere, or 
by estabhshing themselves in business on a large, or 
small, scale, collectively or individually — Why ! I shall 
be most happy to have them do so. 

Really, I may say, if modesty permits, that I and 
my colleagues are laboring for the substantial welfare 
and prosperity of the country: that lacking our intel- 
ligent guidance industry would languish and stagnate 
and, in spite of the productive capacity of the country, 
starvation and want stalk rampant through the land. 

Incidentally, I will frankly admit, my fortune has 
increased to about one hundred million dollars, through 
judicious investments and shrewd financial operations. 
And by continued foresight, gauging the future, I hope 
to materially add to its present worth and may be- 
queath to my children, possibly, as much as — well — I 
shall leave it unsaid. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE, LISPING. 
Mamma! Baby hungry. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE, SOBBING. 

Mamma! Fm hungry. Give me hack my good 
shoes — Fm cold and my feet wet. 

Why doesn't Papa bring home any more money f 
Why does brrr-rr-r-r 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Why should such a capable gentleman require the 
handicap of a pair of ten million dollar "shoes"? 



28 Dead Men's Shoes 

But, go on, Sir ! Tell us about your children ! Are 
you following your father's example, and giving them a 
business training, also? 

VOICE. 

I desired my son to enter business. But the very 
idea of business, for some reason, appeared repugnant 
to him, and I must admit that, after making several 
half-hearted attempts, he refused, point blank, to 
''have his soul stifled in an atmosphere of grimy toil", 
as he expressed it. He has strong artistic leanings 
and spends the greater part of his time in Paris^ — its 
Bohemian "atmosphere" being very much to his taste. 
I am giving him a princely quarterly allowance, which 
he has repeatedly urged me to make monthly : showing 
that he is not entirely lacking in business acumen. And, 
having the means, why should he not follow his incli- 
nation? The greater part of the fortune coming to him 
will be invested in gilt-edged securities — so it really 
matters very little what he does personally. Still, 
wishing to continue the well known business estab- 
lished by my father, I am training a nephew who, I 
hope, will keep the name alive in the business world. 

My youngest daughter has histrionic aspirations, 
the gratification of which we have absolutely forbid- 
den her, frankly, because of the great prominence of 
the family — whose every member would naturally feel 
extremely mortified and embarrassed in the event of 
her appearance on the stage. Especially is this so since 
her sister married the scion of one of the oldest of 



Pro and Con of It 29 

the noble families of Frengmany, the Duke of "Patent 
Leathers," heir to a large landed estate and one of the 
oldest castles in Frengmany. 

VOICE. 

Another old pair of "shoes." 
I smelled them coming. 

VOICE. 

I feel that my children, having been born and nur- 
tured in the very highest strata of society, are not on 
the same evolutionary plane as the ordinary human be- 
ing, but partake of the essence of the superman. And 
while it may be urged that they are not producing, in 
a material way, yet, each one is doing something use- 
ful, in his or her sphere. My daughter being actively 
engaged in j^hilanthropic and charitable work in the 
tenement district of New York; in addition to which 
she assists her mother in the exacting social duties and 
functions which a high station in society necessarily 
imposes upon its members. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Hozif still and peaceful is the night — all the world 
is asleep — not a light — not a sound! 

Have they no anxiety — nothing to worry them? Is 
it only I who have troubles? And I was so happy. 

Oh, how little we know what is in store for us! 

Six years ago! Oh, God! Why? whyf why? Six 
little years! It seems like yesterday — how short it has 
been! And — nowf 



30 Dead Men's Shoes 

Who would have thought it^ five years ago — three 
years — two years ago? 

Oh, the memories! The memories! 

How cold and serene is the moon and that ocean of 
stars! 

Is there anything there — up there, beyond f I 
wonder! 

Shall I know? 

Is there anything — any one watching me from there? 
My husband? Shall I meet youf Are you waiting? 
Mother! Do you see me? Do you know what I am 
thinking of? Do you blame me? 

But I can't help it! O, God! I can't help it! 

But is there a God — up, somewhere, beyond the 
stars? 

Why doesn't He let us know, positively? 

Why are we kept in doubt? 

Why does He let us suffer? 

Why did He let this happen? It doesn't do Him 
any good — did He begrudge us our happiness? 

Why does He let people do whatever they like? 

Why does He permit so much injustice and cruelty? 

Why did He let this man rob us? The mortgage 
w^as less than half its value. 

Oh! The brute! 

God! Will you punish him? Rob my children — 
my poor little **** torture him in hell forev"^"^ No! 
No! No! Jesus said: ''Love your enemies." No! I 
can't! I can't! But punish him some. 



Pro and Con of It 31 

Two o'clock! I must hurry I 

Close the zvindozipf Make everything tight! 

Yes — the key holes — 

There 

How sound he sleeps! Oh, if I could see his eyes 
once more — hut I mustn't! He will never know. 

Yes! Right here with your sisters — all together — 
we shall never separate. 

Yes! Well soon be with Papa. No! He will 
not blame me. Leave our little girls to face the world, 
alone — unprovided? 

No — No — / couldn't! Not alone. 

Yes, Mother! V.ery soon. 

Our Father — who art — in heaven, 

Ha II owed — b e — Thy — name 

Thy — kin^ dom come 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Yes, Doctor! I realize that this season has been 
too fatiguingly strenuous. 

But come! It is only another fortnight! 

I am having my yacht refitted and will go for a 
long cruise to The Bermudas and the islands of the 
West Indies, vnhen I shall have ample time to recu- 
perate. I shall brrr-rr-r-r- 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

A vast army finds employment and make a living, 
polishing, lacing and keeping these old ''shoes" in 
trim. 



32 Dead Men's Shoes 

The gentleman is working, using his brain, shrewd- 
ness and business abiHty. 

He is playing a sort of percentage game, and is 
entitled — and so is any one else^ — to all he can legally 
earn, gain and accumulate, so long as he is able to keep 
out of the pen and the grave. 

If the laws permit of pernicious practices, it be- 
hooves society to enact, modify and amend the laws for 
its own protection. 

When a person cannot keep out of the penitentiary 
because of boodling and fraudulent practices, his 
''shoes" should be trimmed down whatever they have 
gained through these illegal practices. This is not al- 
ways possible, but society will at least have the satis- 
faction of knowing that when he can no longer keep 
out of the grave there will be complete restitution. 

Each and everyone of the vast army used in the 
game this gentleman's father played earned for him 
a certain percentage of everything they produced. And 
it was his by right and by all the rules of the game. 
For it is but moral justice that anyone who depends 
for a living upon the foresight, organizing ability or 
enterprise of anyone else must, to a greater or less ex- 
tent, share his earnings with that party: and more so 
when this party furnishes the necessary material, tools 
and equipment. 

The percentage gained is his to use as he sees fit; 
to spend, or to accumulate and reinvest, so long as he 
lives. But no more. For the wealth and materials of 
the earth are needed for those who are living, and the 



Pro and Con of It Z2> 

dead have no right to impose a tax upon the Uving, or 
upon future generations, by holding down the re- 
sources with their old ''shoes". 

Nature has furnished an abundance of land and raw 
material for the human race to develop and use; but 
upon most of it has been planted old "shoes", and upon 
all material used a certain percentage must be figured 
in order to pay interest upon the valuation of these 
"dead men's shoes". 

Labor, intelligent effort, and talent, are the keys to 
the world's larder ; and the lock should be so fixed 
that vv^ithout using these no man should eat. 

The gentleman himself started unfair. For while 
an adult has a right to all he can earn, gain and ac- 
cumulate, he has no moral right to anything earned by 
anyone else; even thoug'h that person be his own 
parent. 

By nature he was endowed with shrewdness and 
intelligence, he received a good education, and was 
given exceptional opportunities and facilities for gain- 
ing insight and practical experience in business 
methods. 

So far, well and good. 

But, as if this equipment did not suffice him to hold 
his own in life's battle, he was giyen an advantage out 
of all proportion — ^to hold the whiphand over his fellow 
men — by simply stepping into his dead father's ten 
million dollar "shoes". 

He feels responsibility as administrator — that pro- 
vidence has, in a measure, placed upon his shoulders 



34 Dead Men's Shoes 

the welfare of a vast army of his fellow men — , but, 
if we scrutinize the matter close, we cannot fail to 
recognize that he is first and foremost the guardian oi 
these old "shoes". This is but natural, and there is 
no necessity for any hypocritical pretenses in the mat- 
ter; although he may truthfully assert that upon 
critical occasions business has been carried on at a 
loss, because of pride and having the welfare of the 
country at heart — not wishing to utterly demoralize 
the situation by adding to the already large number of 
idle men, which would, in turn, bear upon and retard 
the changing of the tide into more favorable conditions 
and ultimately effect the welfare of the ''shoes". 

There is also a well founded suspicion that if mat- 
ters had been left in their natural channels, i. e., not 
influenced by the powerful, controlling favoritism of 
old "shoes", the gentleman himself might occupy a 
much more inferior position in the economic structure ; 
and men even more capable, who now possibly hold the 
inferior positions, would have forged to the top. 

He is absolutely wrong, if he thinks that the well 
being of humanity, or any part of humanity, indis- 
pensably depends upon him or his little set of colleagues 
— ^for nature will, and does, produce millions of bubbles 
like him, you, or. me. 

Through it all stands out the fact that he hopes 
to make these old "shoes" so big, strong, self-contained 
and self-sufficient that, when he is no longer able to 
guide them, they may be guided by hirelings for the 
benefit of his children. And while thus guided, they 



Pro and Con of It 35 

may move on indefinitely, ever gaining in size and im- 
portance, trampling and crushing the common herd, 
or anyone who gets in their way or attempts to inter- 
fere; but ever maintaining, in luxury and idleness, a 
clique whose feet they do not fit — yea, who pretend 
to be above anything appertaining to their operation. 

The gentleman's children would undoubtedly be- 
come useful members of society, if obliged to be their 
own "shoemakers". As it is, their natural aspirations 
and talents are often stifled, or, at least, not developed. 
For since there is no necessity for them tO' bestir them- 
selves, life becomes more or less a meaningless void 
to be droned away in selfish pleasure and idleness. 

Thus these heavy, old "shoes" become a positive 
detriment, even in a social sense; depriving society of 
what would otherwise be useful members, and also 
depriving these same individuals of the best incentive 
for a useful, interesting and satisfactory life. 

When dawdling becomes wearisome, or when some 
individual member of high society happens to be un- 
usually energetic, there is the field of philanthropy and 
charity. These are but makeshift remedies for the 
social ills — ^like smoothing over the surface of a bot- 
tomless bog. Charity, really, is an insult; for it is the 
plain duty of society to take care of those of its mem- 
bers who are, for any reason, incapable of taking care 
of themselves. And they should receive aid as their 
dues ; not as charity. 



36 Dead Aden's Shoes 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Ah! The family got a strangle hold 
here in the early days, and the "chips" are going the 
old "block" one better. 

They are zvorth many millions, due to the rapid 
increase in the population. Til tell yon something 
b rrrr-rrr-rr-r- r-r 

VOICE. 

I certainly agree that these big estates should be 
cut down. For when a fortune runs into many millions, 
or even one million, it is far and above what a person 
really needs ; and the wealth, which otherwise could be 
v/orked up and distributed among many, is tied up. 

But a limit should be placed somewhere, in order 
to encourage the accumulation of moderately large 
fortunes and thus create a solid middle class. 

I think a person should be permitted to inherit as 
much as fifty thousand dollars, because it would not 
be just to strip, entirely, those who have been born to 
wealth. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrrr-rr-r- Well, "I should zuorry!" I don't have 
to zvork for a living. I brrr-rr-rr-r- 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

"Consistency, thou art a jewel!" Do you not be- 
lieve in the "eternal fitness" of things — ^"equal rights 
to all and special privileges to none"? 



Pro and Con of It Z7 

Let every one start even, then sink or swim, ac- 
cording to what fiber he is made of: and let it be, 
truly, "the fight to the strong, the race to the swift". 

It is so in every other contest. Why not in the 
contest for a living? One of the essentials of every 
fair contest is that the start be made even, or if any 
handicap is given, it g'oes to the weak. 

Why, then, give the handicap to those whom the 
accident of birth has already given superior advan- 
tages ? ''What is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the 
gander." 

If society is going to cure its present ills, it must 
remove the cause of these ills in a thorough manner. 
Half measures will not avail. Society must do justice 
to all its members and offer them an equal chance, 
without favors or privileges to any class. 

In place of fostering any certain class, the object 
is to oblige every member of society, irrespective of 
what station he was born into, to rely upon and have 
recourse to his own native ability to carve out, for 
himself, a niche in the social and economic structure. 

In order to give every man equal access to the 
country's resources, through his labor — and through 
his labor only — , and in order to maintain the value 
of these resources at their true worth, eliminate fic- 
titious valuation and reduce speculation to a minimum, 
all the resources m^ust be equally subject to the same 
rule of being, at least once in every generation, offered 
to the highest bidder, for the benefit of society as a 
whole. 



3S Dead Men's Shoe^ 

Society also needs the proceeds from the sales ol 
all its resources, to be used in place of taxes, for de- 
fraying the expenses of administration, improvements, 
and the maintenance of the necessary equipment for 
self-defense. 

VOICE. 

Your theory has many good points. But it is un- 
just to people in moderate circumstances who have 
worked hard to accumulate a few thousands in order 
to give their children a start in life. 

I inherited three thousand dollars which enabled 
me to buy an interest in a business, marry and pro- 
vide a little home for my wife. And you would have 
robbed me of this little advantage, or handicap, as you 
call it? I tell you, it is not fair. 

Take away from those who have a superabundance, 
but don't rob us, little fellows — don't ask us to start 
with nothing — the Lord knows, we have little enough 
now. 

You wanted me to start with my two empty hands, 
working for some one else, slaving and scraping for 
years before I could amass enough to venture for 
myself. 

If I got married before, I would be taking still 
greater chances. What with sickness and trouble, 
children to bring up — feed, clothe and educate^ — , I 
would have to slave for someone else all my life. And 
if I did manage to put aside a little something, I 
would be afraid of making a venture for fear of losing 



Pro and Con of It 39 

it all — leaving me and wife entirely destitute in our 
old age. 

What incentive would there be for a laborer, mech- 
anic, or small business man to try to save and accumu- 
late anything, When, in the event of death, everything 
would be confiscated? 

What would be the sense to buy a piece of property 
or a house to live in, when, possibly, just as it was all 
paid for, he might die and the government, represent- 
ing society, would step in and assert ownership? 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

The chief obstacle to the abolition of "dead men's 
shoes" will be found in the opposition of this class, 
due to the unwillingness to submit themselves tO' the 
justice of the principle applying equally to all. They 
will favor half-measures, temporizations and exemp- 
tions ; losing sight of the fact that what is wrong 
in principle cannot be adjusted by a scale of degrees. 

If it is right to steal one dollar, it is right to steal 
one hundred dollars ; if it is right to inherit one per- 
cent of an estate, it is equally right to inherit one- 
hundred percent ; and if it is right to exempt one thou- 
sand dollars, it is right to exempt it all. 

Under our present system, your class is the salt 
of the earth ; always being ground between the upper 
and the nether millstones. 

You stand between the two extremes of poverty 
and opulence, keeping them apart and from doing one 



40 Dead Men's Shoes 

another too much bodily harm : they may main and 
hurt, but not exterminate one another. 

You partake of both ; and yet, the arrogance of 
the one and careless indifference of the other does not 
become you. 

Your guiding stars are conservatism, responsibility, 
law and order. You keep the balance, and the more 
there is of you, to the exclusion of the other two ex- 
tremes, the greater the stability. 

Then let our aim be: the greatest good for the 
greatest number. 

You would have the same incentive to save and ac- 
cumulate that you have now^ — ^the incentive to pro- 
vide for yourself and for your family — for the present 
and for the future — and a far better chance of doing 
so, and of getting something besides toil and worry 
out of life. 

Of what you accumulate, one half belongs to your 
vv^ife, who, if there are chilclren, shares your respon- 
sibility tov/ards them. In the event of death^ — leaving 
children — it will be used for their maintenance and 
education. 

Your last hour need not be spent in worry that 
yoiir children may be cheated and left destitute through 
a possible bank failure or the foreclosure of a mort- 
gage. For when you no longer are able to use your 
''shoes" Uncle Sam steps in and takes charge of them. 

If your equity is no more than what is needed for 
their (your children's) maintenance and education, 
rest assured that they will receive it, in such manner 



Pro and Con of It 41 

as will best fit them for life's duty. vShould it be more 
than what is needed to bring them up in wholesome 
comfort (not luxury or extravagance), Uncle Sam 
will keep the surplus, to be used for the common 
weal ; and your children, upon arrival at age, will 
have the same chances as the children of anyone else. 

Should the parents live, this system will do some- 
thing more for them. It will protect them against 
their own natural, but foolish, inclination to continue 
toiling and slaving for their children when they should 
be self-supporting. 

In the human genus, the natural instinct to care 
for their offspring is carried too far — beyond all limits. 
And in place of being strengthening and fortifying, it 
reacts and weakens ; so that when some vicissitude 
removes the artificial provision made for them they are 
often left helpless. The fallacious notion that they 
can do their children's work by liberally providing for 
them not only deprives many parents of their own dues 
in regard to comfort and pleasure, but often they 
have the chagrin of seeing them grow up inefficient, 
indolent and vicious. 

The realization that they have to make their own 
way in the world will put them on their mettle, de- 
velop self-reliance and bring out the best there is in 
them. They will be taught the true value of money 
by earning it ; and, when the way is no longer clogged 
with "dead men's shoes", there will be abundant op- 
portunities to advance and better themselves. 



42 Dead Men's Shoes 

Perhaps more people will realize, when they are by 
law limited tO' the fighting of their own battles — letting 
future generations fight theirs^ — , that there is nO' 
blessing in a great superfluity of things, but only in 
what we are able to use and enjoy. 

Let no one profit by the death of anyone. Let it 
be a loss in every respect. Do not temper the honest 
grief with secret joy of financial gain. Do not put 
the salve of gold on the tender wound, but keep it 
sacred and clean — and let time do the healing. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r-r-r Yes, she is working her fingers to 
the hone, so that her ''clotheshorse" of a daughter may 
imagine herself a lady. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. (*) 

"A students principal business is his studies. He 
needs money enough to buy food, lodging, simple 
clothes, hooks, stamps and the like, and to pay certain 
fees and dues, admission to a few entertainments, and 
special dental and medical bills. 

''Any money supplied beyond these simple needs 
mean^ that time will he zuasted iw, spending it. 

"A surplus of money is one of the biggest handi- 
caps possible for the youth who expects to be a good 
student. 



* Daily newspaper. (Credited to one of our leading 
university presidents.) 



Pro and Con of It 43 

''It takes time to run an automobile and it often 
leads to life off the campus, to extravagance and much 
foolishness." 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- ''Swell timef 

Well, I should say so! 

He gets a bigger monthly allowance than the an- 
nual salary of some of the professors. Brrr-rr-r 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- It is more than three years since he re- 
turned from college. He seems to be a finished dab- 
bler — in and out of everything going — but, for the life 
of me, I can't make out whether he is a fool or a ge- 
nius. Only the other day he started to brrr-rr-r- 

VOICE. 

The main trouble with this theory is that it does 
not go far enough. 

All land, resources, tools and equipment should 
be held by society in common and never be permitted 
to pass into private ownership; thus absolutely pre- 
venting one man from exploiting another. 

One man has just as much right and capacity for 
enjoying life as another and, so long as he puts in his 
time at something useful, should receive the same 
credit, or pay, as anyone else, irrespective of his skill, 
working capacity, or kind of service rendered. 

Exploitation must be stopped — and will be, when 
the government takes control of all industries, elim- 



44 Dead Men's Shoes 

inates competition, and produces only enough for 
society's requirement. 

VOICE. 

Sure ! Anyone may advance so far as he Hkes, in 
knowledge, skill, or science, so long as he works for 
the love of it; but he should not receive any emolu- 
ment in excess of the common wage. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Given an even start, none but a weakling enter- 
tains doubt that among his peers he shall not be able 
to hold his own: and all he is morally entitled to is 
compensation according to the light that is in him 
and the service rendered. 

The law of the survival of the fittest can not be 
ignored ; and any attempt to maintain the weak and the 
strong, the dull and the intelligent, the frivolous and 
the earnest upon the same plane, financial or otherwise, 
must inevitably fail. 

More or less rivalry is absolutely essential for a 
healthy body politic ; and there is no surer or better 
way to quicken and stimulate skill, inventiveness and 
enterprise than financial compensation. We must not 
hamper and retard, but rather foster and promote, the 
natural impulse to excel. 

Leaders are essential — always have been, and al- 
ways shall be — , and the only hope for the man who 
has no initiative and no ambition is to take orders 



Pro and Con of It 45 

from one who has intelHgence, enterprise and energ}' 
enough to forge ahead of the waiting multitude. 

Without leaders, we would be an unwieldy mob; 
and if the laborer is worth his hire — ^so is the leader. 

The m.an who by sheer merit is able to advance 
and through his intelligence render society superior 
services, which in a greater or less degree benefits his 
fellow men, is morally entitled to a premium — and 
consequently to a percentage on the earning capacity 
of the man for whom his intelligent guidance, hus- 
bandry or enterprise has found employment. 

The volume of production will always be governed 
by the natural law of supply and demand. And the 
best remiedy for the existing evil of trusts, monopolies 
and watered-stock-corporations, now being operated 
for the benefit and maintenance of, privately owned, 
"dead men's shoes", is the formation of a gigantic 
pool, into which all "dead men's shoes" shall gravitate, 
to be broken up, sold, leased, or held, for the common 
weal. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE, 

O, yoiizvifey! I got a raise today. I have ''bones" 
to hum. Let's go out and have a blozv-out! I brrr-rr-r 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r-r-r Never mind, dear! We'll be on "easy 
street" one of these days! 

Only a few more details to complete my invention 
— and it is going to be a success. Donlt let brrr-rr-r-r 



46 Dead Men's Shoes 

VOICE. 

You say: "Given an even start." 

But there would be so many people ahead of a 
person, who had already gotten their start, when he 
was born into the world. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Some day — if he lives — ^he may have the advantage 
of them all, in having been 'here the longest. 

But that will not profit him, if he does not avail 
himself of his opportunities. 

VOICE. 

Say! I have been listening, for quite a while, to 
you fellows shooting theories at one another, and 
wondering where I am going to get off at. 

I find, when I am looking for work, that there are 
generally about fifteen men ahead of me, trying for the 
same job ; and here is this "gink" talking about every- 
body going to work. What I would like to know is 
where they are going to get the jobs, when there is not 
enough work, now, to go around? 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Perhaps it will be necessary to economize with the 
work, i. e., a shorter work-day, in order that there 
may be sufficient for the greater number of busy hands. 

With better chances for earning and accumulating ; 
with L^ncle Sam proffering good farms, for sale or 
lease, at low figures; with the opportunities to invest 
in urban and suburban real estate, in interest bearing 



Pro and Con of It 47 

stocks and bonds, shares in factories, mines, railroads, 
steamboats, banks, business houses, large and small, 
and all the numerous income paying assets that would 
continually gravitate into Uncle Sam's coffers in the 
shape of "dead men's shoes", and tendered, not to 
line a promoter's pocket with unearned profits, but at 
their true value; with universalized opportunities, 
those who have an innate craving for independence 
would soon eliminate themselves from the job-hunters, 
by husbanding their earnings and strike out for them- 
selves, the more enterprising ones thus providing jobs 
for those lacking in this quality. 

Furthermore, the time spent getting a start would 
be the best kind of a school, from which every man 
would have a chance to graduate by thrift and merit, 
and thus be truly self made — the capable advancing by 
natural selection, in place of holding their position in 
society merely because they stepped into a "dead man's 
shoes". 

It would put a practical and true significance into 
the scriptural saying: "Whatsoever a man soweth, 
that shall he also reap", and permit no man to reap, 
where he has not sown. 

It is idle to discuss what number of hours or 
amount of labor should be given for a certain wage, or 
what compensation should be rendered for a certain 
grade or quality of service ; for these matters must be 
governed by natural laws, just as much as the cost 
of commodities and transportation, rate of interest, 
value of land, city real estate, or stocks and bonds. 



48 Dead Men's Shoes 

But by ceasing to hold down the raw materials, re- 
sources and equipment through the planting of "dead 
men's shoes" upon them — the value of which enter 
into and governs the cost of commodities that the 
people must use and which are continually advancing 
in price, owing, mainly, to the increase in the valua- 
tion of these old "shoes" from generation to genera- 
tion — labor and skill will at last come into its own and 
receive its just due as the only really important ele- 
ment entering into the cost of production of any com- 
modity. 

For some of the raw materials were here when 
Adam arrived, and some have been produced by nature 
since, free of charge to humanity and for its special 
use and benefit, and the people who live today have as 
much right to the free use of them as Adam had. 

This man fears there will not be enough work for 
the increased working force^ — since everyone is re- 
quired to earn his own living. He is worrying about 
his job. He has always had his hands full providing 
for his immediate requirements ; hence is unable to look 
any further. 

Have you noticed these men and women — ^how they 
strike out in life, buoyant and joyous, full of hope and 
confidence, bravely assuming life's duties and obliga- 
tions? Have you met them later, a little tired and 
weary, but yet, courageously struggling on? Still 
later; can not you read in their faces how they begin 
to realize the utter hopelessness and despairity of the 
unequal task? 



Pro and Con of It 49 

It is dawning upon them that they are in a groove, 
hemmed in, with no choice but to plod on, until they 
reach the door which will let them out into the great 
unknown. At last they realize it is a matter of being 
born right — of having had a forefather plant his 
"shoes" upon some of the resources which nature has 
produced for the equal benefit of all mankind. It 
cannot be changed now — ^more is the pity — but they 
must eat; and so, it resolves itself into a problem of 
finding jobs, polishing and keeping in order the 
"shoes" of the fortunate ones. 

Have you seen them when in desperation they have 
taken a stand, imploring, beseeching, demanding a 
little larger share for their work of keeping these old 
"shoes" in trim? And, upon the defiant refusal, how 
they have turned, like wild beasts, crippling, burning 
and destroying the very means which nature and skill 
have provided us for our sustenance, convenience and 
comfort? 

Have you observed them, blear-eyed and shaky — 
sunk to the level of the brute — ^trying, through the cup 
that cheers, to obtain short intervals of oblivion and 
forget their failure to find employment — forget the rent 
being due — forget that their little savings have been 
swept away, through enforced idleness — forget the 
cheerless home with its sickness and want, which they 
are powerless to relieve? 

When in despondency they have thrown down the 
tools, saying : "What's the use !" have you noticed them 
wandering through the land, beating their way on the 



50 Dead Men's Shoes 

trains and steamboats, begging at the backdoors, and 
scurrying around, like vermin, at the approach of the 
poHce ? 

Have you seen them in the clutches of the law — 
before the judge, or behind the prison bars — because 
they have defied the rules of society in regard to per- 
sonal property? 

In all grades of society, the game is to get it 
away, by hook or crook, from others, so that we and 
ours may have enough. These were not clever enough 
to do it legally; but, knowing that life is short and 
wanting to enjoy some of its good things, they clum- 
sily broke the law. 

And the women, if they are clever and pretty, may 
find favor in the eyes of the fortunate ones and enjoy 
some of the good things of life — fine clothes, clean 
dwellings, good food and wine; leisure, music and 
pleasure — (giving nothing much in return — only their 
bodies and souls. 

But, the children! Have you noticed them — 
sv/arming in the gutters — ragged, dirty and unkempt; 
starved, sickly and diseased; precocious in everything 
that is evil? 

Certainly you have noticed them — and what splen- 
did opportunities for charitable work, which God has 
given you. 

Should you, by any chance, be deprived of such a 
riich field for doing good, you would hardly know what 
to do with yourself. It is holier to give than to take; 



Pro and Con of It 51 

and there is nothing else that gives you quite the same 
self-satisfaction as doing good. 

But keep your charity, and dispense justice. Do 
not roh with one hand, to give with the other. Start 
even and earn your own way, and do not claim as your 
own what you have not earned through your own 
effort. 

You do not see anything strange, or abnormal, in 
these men, women and children. "They belong to the 
lower class ; and Providence has assigned us our 
different stations, which we should accept with gra- 
titude, or resignation, according to our respective 
places." 

No! You are wrong! Providence provided suf- 
ficient for us all. The unequal division is due to 
**dead men's shoes". 

They do not irretrievably belong in this class ; Pro- 
vidence did not place them there; nor did natural se- 
lection; they possess as full qualification for doing 
their share, and enjoying their share, as any other 
grade O'f society, if they are given an equal chance. 

The abolition of "dead men's shoes" provides the 
only practicable means of taking the sting and bitter- 
ness out of the struggle between labor and capital ; 
of levelling class barriers and artificial distinctions ; and 
of making useful members out of the loafers and idlers 
in high as well as in low society. 

It is the only practical solution of the economic 
problem as it exists in our era, and, in conjunction with 



52 Dead Men's Shoes 

education and the ballot, the only hope of putting an 
end to extreme poverty, disgruntled social unrest, and, 
eventually, war. It provides the only means of giving 
every man an equal chance to profit and share, in 
full measure, according to his capability, in the 
achievements and improvements made by past gene- 
rations. 

There is not a man, with red blood in his veins 
and having the spirit of fair play in his heart, who 
would begrudge the relinquishment of his inheritance 
handicap for an even start under such a system. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- That's easy, sonny! Start with flowers 
and candy. Then open your purse and buy out the 
shops — be lavish — zvhen you get your bird, you can 
economize. I know brrr-rr-r- 

' INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r Oh! You must accompany me, dear! 

I am taking some discarded garments to a family 
in direst nfed. When I found them, they were on the 
verge of starvation. 

O, you should see them! It is so interesting. 

Do, come! There is a woman, ill, on the floor 
above, but I cannot determine whether she is zwrthy. 
One has to be very brrr-rrr-rr-r- 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Yes, the company acceded to our de- 
mands. I am making more money than I ever did be- 



Pro and Con of It S3 

fore; hut it all goes for a living — and, at that, we are 
not living as well as formerly. 

I see, by the papers C"), that ''operators in Chi- 
cago pit are forcing wheat prices as high as the market 
will let them, while supplies are rotting on the quays 
in Australia, some being used as fuel, and large quan- 
tities are held up in Argentina for lack of ships" . 

It's a wonder the people in Europe, who are lend- 
ing themselves to organized murder, don't wake up and 
quit invading one-another's country whenever the 
war-lord whistles. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Why! Don't you see that the interest 
of every man lies parallel with those of his own 
country. 

If the war-lord sees that there is a chance of mak- 
ing his own country supreme and gain advantages at 
the expense of some other country, his subjects will 
be better off. If the war results in territorial acqui- 
sition, whether contiguous or colonies, they will have 
larger markets for their goods — which means, larger 
factories, larger profits, more men working, anft more 
pay. It also makes his coimtry stronger and the other 
country weaker, in case of future controversies. 

lust the same as here; the whole trick is to get 
the best of the other fellow, so that we, and ours, may 
have enough — and then, there is the glory of it. 



* Daily newspaper — August, 1916. 



54 Dead Men's Shoes 

No, they are doing perfectly right and proper in 
marring upon one another, since they have a dispute 
serious enough to justify war. 

The wrong is in their method of carrying on mod- 
ern warfare — their own private quarrel — by interfer- 
ing with and disregarding the rights of the neutral 
nations. 

They should use a little system in these matters. 
There should be a place for everything, and every- 
thing in^ its place. 

The different nations should hold a conference and 
agree to set aside a strip of country somewhere, or, 
better stilly a small, barren island in the ocean, to be 
known and u^ed as the international fighting ground. 

All warfare should be strictly limited to land oper- 
ation, the high seas being neutral and open to anyone 
for the transportation of foodstuffs, goods and com- 
modities; troops, implements of murder and mu- 
nitions. 

Upon the declaration of war between two nations, 
they should immediately rush the massing of troops on 
the island, each of the belligerents having free access 
to the island from opposite directions. 

By having a neutral squadron umpiring the game, 
the two belligerents could here welter and revel in one 
another s blood and gore to their hearts' content. 

There would be no need to dig graves to bury the 
dead — send the corpses to the rear and roll them into 
the briny deep — and permanent hospitals, having 



Pro and Con of It 55 

every modern convenience, could he erected on some 
adjoining island. 

From a properly constructed grand-stand, the 
royal families, and distinguished visitors, could view 
and enjoy the tournament in comparative safety. 
Here, also, moving pictures of the drama could be 
taken, which would make the war a continual source 
of pleasant and instructive entertainment, and help to 
defray the expenses. 

Of course, the object of each belligerent would be 
to clear the island by driving the enemy into the sea. 
The one succeeding in doing this would be declared 
the victor, by the umpire, and by resisting and prevent- 
ing the enemy from landing any more troops the war 
would automatically cease — there being no other place 
where fighting would be permissible. Just think 
brrr-rr-r 

VOICE. 

I have been listening with great interest to this 
discussion, but I must admit that I am very disap- 
pointed that not a word has been said about woman 
and her rights. 

Is woman, then, always to remain a nonentity, with 
no rights or privileges of her own; a plaything of 
man — ever to be ruled by his whims and fancies ? 

Woman is as much entitled to a voice in the ar- 
rangement of society's economic structure as is man. 
And while I will admit that the proposed plan has 
many commendable features, still, you are looking at 



56 Dead Men's Shoes 

it from a man's point of view ; you fail to consider the 
interest of one lialf of the human race. 

Woman, who, by nature, is ordained to be the 
bearer of the race, to nurture and care for its young, 
is, as such, entitled to special consideration, and even 
to privileges. 

Woman, not being an active participant in the in- 
dustrial strife, is singularly fitted to be the custodian 
and beneficiary of the accumulated wealth. Thus, 
shielded and protected, she is left free to work out her 
destiny, financially independent of man ; which would, 
indubitably, redound to the welfare of the race. 

In order to carry the theory into effect, an extensive 
administrative organization would be necessary. Why 
not simplify the whole matter by passing a law making 
succession to property in the female line only? 

Of course, this would not improve the condition 
of the maid who was born and reared in poverty or 
humble circumstances. But there would not be any 
abrupt change in her economic situation. She is ac- 
customed to it — has known no other life^ — ^and therefore 
is spared the mental depression, which would inevi- 
tably attend the sudden change from affluence and in- 
dependence to poverty and dependence, of her 
wealthier born sister. Besides which she has, undoubt- 
edly, either an early marriage in view, or, through 
preparation and training, fitted herself for a career 
commensurate with her station. 

But consider a young lady brought up in a refined, 
luxurious home, amid fashionable surroundings, 



Pro and Con of It 57 

where from early childhood loving hands have lav- 
ished upon her the delicate attentions and dainties that 
only wealth can proicure. Shielded from all contact 
with a coarser world, with servants to wait upon her, 
and every wish almost equivalent to a command, her 
education a list of beautiful accomplishments, but of 
no utilitarian or commercial value — Sir ! it is a sin — 
a crime — even to suggest that she should perform 
menial or any kind of labor for remuneration. 

Furthermore, it would be utterly impossible to find 
suitable places and situations for all the unmarried 
women of age. Would you have them working for 
their wealthy parents, scrubbing the front steps, wash^ 
ing dishes in the kitchen, or assisting Bridget in the 
laundry ? 

The idea is simply preposterous and too idiotic to 
be considered. Legal or illegal, the parents would cer- 
tainly provide for their daughters, and if the law 
necessitated it being done clandestinely and by stealth, 
it would merely be putting a premium upon dishonesty. 
For rest assured, they would take care of their own 
flesh and blood^ — their own little baby girls — if they 
had to go to jail because of it. 

Sir! Have you never had a child, a sister, or a 
sweetheart? Or what manner of a man are you? 

Can't you realize that the only hope for a girl ac- 
customed to having her path made smooth would be 
to marry some doddered old grouch who has lived 
and toiled long enough to acquire a competence — to 
sell herself to the highest bidder, that she may have 



58 Dead Men's Shoes 

the comforts to which she has been habituated from 
childhood and save herself from a life of drudgery 
and toil, for which she is wholly unsuited. 

Then g-ood-bye to love and romance ; good-bye to 
the sweetheart of her schooldays — the mate who, by 
every rule of the game, should be the father of her 
children, but for the fact that he cannot, on the salary 
earned at a ribbon counter, undertake to support the 
woman of his choice. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Oh, he is a charming man! But, my 
dear child, everyone knows that Count Flo jo y Podrido 
came over, purposely, to capture the heiress of the 
Overshoe ■millions. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- and did you visit the beautiful home and 
sanatorium, erected anfl endowed by Mrs. Oldshoe, for 
the care and comfort of senile cats and dogs? 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

j^yrrrrrrr-rrrr-rr-rr-r- What I you get a divorce f 
Ha! Til beat you to it. 

I promised youf 

Well^ I was a silly, sentimental girl, but I am wise 
now; and I can't understand what possessed me to 
marry such a cheap apology of a man as you. 

Take your things and get out of my house! I am 
tired of supporting you and your family. When a 
girl is wealthy she never brrr-rrr-rr-r-r- 



Pro and Con of It 59 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- There is nothing really the matter with 
her; she is simply dying from ennui. 

Yon know, she zms brought up in luxury and came 
into a big fortune. She zuent through several matri- 
monial entanglements and now, at thirty, is as blase as 
an old woman. If brr-rr-rr-r- 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Whenever in this discussion the word "man" has 
been used, in a general sense, it is meant to apply 
equally to woman. 

The two sexes must ever go hand in hand — ^one 
the help-mate of the other. Be their fortune good or 
ill, be it feast or famine, they must share it. 

Physically the inferior of man, hampered and re- 
stricted by reason of her maternal duties, she has, 
through the ages of savagery and during the period 
of semi-barbarism, been obliged to accept such pro- 
tection, or ill usage, as man chose to accord her. 

But a better era has dawned for her with the ad- 
vent of a higher civilization — with its mastery of mind 
over matter^and with the aid of its conveniences and 
inventions she is rapidly coming into her own, as 
man's equal. 

Equality is the proper balance, and should the pen- 
dulum swing the other way, it would mean the retro- 
gression of the human race. For it is not logically 
feasible for woman to outdistance man by reason of 
superior natural advantages, and any attempt to exalt 



60 Dead Men's Shoes 

her by artificial means would, in the very nature of 
things, be courting disaster. 

The lady urges the plea that it would be impossible 
to find suitable employment or situations for all the 
unmarried women. 

A large number of thinking men hesitate, and 
many actually refuse, to follow their natural inclina- 
tion to marry and assume the responsibility of wedlock 
under the present unfavorable economic conditions. 
* * * * 

Through toil and labor the wilderness has been 
conquered, the land has been cleared and laid under 
the plow, roads have been made and railways gridiron 
the country. Every facility has been installed for the 
transportation of the raw materials from the fields, 
the woods and the mines, to the mills and factories. 
Every equipment that inventive genius has been able 
to devise is utilized in these mills and factories, for 
the conversion of the raw material into the finished 
product — the commodities which civilized man needs 
for his maintenance. 

Why is it that in spite of all this, in spite of the 
perfect mechanical system^ — the labor and time-saving 
modern machinery and the network of communicating 
and distributing channels — and in spite of the skill and 
intelligence of our workmen, it is harder, more diffi- 
cult, than ever before, for the man who performs the 
labor, to make a living, to establish a home, to im- 
prove his economic condition? 



Pro and Con of It 61 

It is because the present generation does not share, 
equally, in the benefits of the labor and improvements 
made by former generations. 

Unless a man can show a flawless title, reading 
clear, back to an original grant or purchase from The 
Creator, he has no right to reserve and endow to his 
children any part of the earth, its resources, or any 
part of these resources developed and finished by the 
labor of former generations. It is for his children to 
earn their share. It must not be given them — for it is 
not his to give — only to use. 

And no government, society, man, or organization 
of men has the right to grant or deed away to any 
particular person, or favored set, the means of suste- 
nance of unborn generations. 

But for its serious consequences the idea would be 
ludicrous, to give a man who spends a few short years 
upon this earth the right to deed away and tie up prop- 
erty and resources for countless ages. 

The incoming generation should have the same 
relative access to the earth and its resources, in its im- 
proved condition, that the first man and woman had, 
in its undeveloped condition. 

This is what will occur when we do away with 
"dead men's shoes". Thereby putting an end to the 
two extremes of grinding poverty and snobbish wealth, 
universalizing opportunities, enabling a man to marry 
with a reasonable assurance of making a living. 



62 Dead Men's Shoes 

And this is the factor that will take care of, by far, 
the greater number of women. The young women, or 
those remaining single from choice, would have the 
same fields that are open to them now, with living 
conditions easier. 

As for the daughters of wealthy parents doing 
menial labor, it may be recommended as being entirely 
honest and even beneficial, when not carried to excess. 
But on the other hand, if they place indolent ease and 
luxury above the love and industry of a man who is 
otherwise suitable, they may as well sell themselves to 
the highest bidder. 

Perhaps there will be more of the milk of human 
kindness when we all have to travel the same road; 
when, flushed with success, we remember our early 
struggles and that our sons and daughters will also 
have to enter the contest. 

Perhaps there will be less of fatuous criticism and 
fault-finding, of those who perform the real work and 
render useful service to society, by those whose chief 
accomplishments — under the present system^ — are fool- 
ish mannerism and pretended superior airs, while being 
utterly inapt themselves of doing their share of the 
world's work. 

Perhaps we shall outgrow our narrow family- 
circle-view — for me and mine — and enjoy the larger 
feeling that our work, while maintaining us, is also 
improving our little part of the earth, not selfishly, ex- 
clusively for our own children, but for the benefit of 
the whole nation. (For we must still confine ourselves 



Pro and Con of It 63 

to the nation. We can advance only a step at the time. 
And it remains for the future to decide whether there 
will ever be another step to take.) 

In all normal men, and especially in those who have 
been successful, wfhose labor has lifted them out of 
the blinding struggle for the immediate wants, there 
is a feeling of dissatisfaction — a feeling that the game 
hasn't been worth while, unless they can employ some 
of their accumulated wealth for the common benefit — 
a secret craving to render some permanent service for 
the good and advancement of the race, that shall jus- 
tify their own conscience that they have been of some 
use to their fellow; men — that they have not lived in 
vain. 

Under the new system of levelled classes — we shall 
all put our shoulders to the wheel and while laboring 
for our own maintenance, comfort and enjoyment, we 
shall also labor for the common good — the human race 
will advance and progress, as never before. 

VOICE. 

Spending an idle hour, I have listened from mere 
curiosity, for the whole scheme is a dream, a figment 
of the imagination. It brings to my mind the old say- 
ing: "Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread," if 
you will pardon my bluntness. 

Being, for more than a quarter of a century, con- 
versant with banking and business methods, and, also, 
being a close student of biology, sociology and political 
economy, I consider myself pre-eminently qualified to 



64 Dead Men's Shoes 

speak, and utterly condemn, as rank folly and suicidal, 
the hazy prating of this visionary demagogtie. 

In our advanced state of civilization, built up 
through centuries of gradual progress, our method of 
commerce and exchange is so interdependent, and our 
mode of carrying on the various industries so intri- 
cately correlated that any attempt at even minor 
changes and regulations often is the cause of grave 
disturbances. 

What, then, would be the effect of a radical and 
revolutionary change of one of the fundamental prin- 
ciples upon which not only our whole structure of 
industry and commerce is based, but which is the main 
incentive for human activity and the very foundation 
of organized society? 

It leaves no room for surmises ; there can be only 
one answer to such a question. It would inevitably 
result in chaos, ruin and disaster. 

Contemplate, for a moment, the immediate effect 
of even a serious consideration of such legislation. 

It would engender a feeling of insecurity which in 
turn would create a downward tendency — I may say, 
a slump with no bottom in sight — in the value of all 
securities, real estate, stock in trade, and every con- 
ceivable kind of holding or vested interest; and, if it 
were not for the fact that the experiment would come 
to an early head and things be readjusted on the old 
basis, the country's resources and raw materials would 
be exploited for the benefit of foreign markets. 



Pro and Con of It 65 

In such an attempt at confiscation — ^trying to get 
something for nothing — labor itself, in place of being 
benefitted, would be the first and chief suflferer. Be- 
cause money would be hoarded — gold would disappear 
from circulation and be drained out of the country, 
causing the same effect as when the life-blood is 
drained out of the previously healthy body, leaving 
the useless carcass. 

Many would sell their holdings, at any price^ — 
could they find buyers — in order to convert it into gold 
and save something out of the general wreckage. Mills 
and factories would close down, because of lack of 
orders, throwing the operatives out of employment 
with starvation staring them in the face. And men 
who previously were the main-stay of our business and 
industrial life would recognize the futility of continu- 
ing, when all incentive for any further activity had 
been forcibly removed from the system. 

And how is it logical that a universal depreciation 
in all values may possibly benefit anyone? 

When land values go down, it will ruin the farmer ; 
and prosperity hinges more upon the well-being of the 
farmer than upon that of any other class. Will it be 
worth while to harvest the crop when there is no 
market, no money in circulation, and only the very 
lowest prices obtainable for what is produced? 

And what good is it that foodstuffs are cheap when 
the laborer has not the wherewithal to purchase it, due 
to the inability to sell his labor? What does it profit 
that the raw materials are cheap, when the money has 



66 Dead Men's Shoes 

gone into hiding and will not venture into the indus- 
trial field, since the country has lost its purchasing 
power because of the wholesale drop in values? 

Labor is today in a better position than it ever has 
been before in the world's history. It is organized, 
not only for protection but for aggression, and has, 
beyond cavil, the upper hand of the situation. It is 
very insistent and never satisfied in its demand upon 
capital for shorter hours, and incessant in its cry for 
a larger and larger share of the profits. 

The high cost of living and the high prices we must 
pay for commodities are due, mainly, to the short 
hours and high wages demanded and received by 
labor. 

Capital is taking all the risk; what with the diffi- 
culty of finding and developing new markets and hold- 
ing the old ones; of finding and developing new re- 
sources and raiW materials ; of fluctuating prices ; of 
taxes, insurance, maintenance and all the numerous 
contingencies inherent in the situation, it occupies, with 
each passing year, a more and more precarious posi- 
tion. It often foregoes the right to its own legitimate 
profits in order to meet and conciliate labor in its de- 
mands ; making the sacrifice to avoid industrial block- 
age and the serious consequences and inconveniences 
to the public due to strikes and lockouts. 

Labor should practice economy, and be as calculat- 
ingly careful with its earnings as is capital. It should 
take care of the pennies and, through co-operation. 



Pro and Con of It 67 

enter the field of capital, and thus, in a measure, elim- 
inate the capitalist. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Jim! You talk like you imagined it a 
very easy matter for the railroad presidents to grant 
your demands for an eight-hour day and time and a 
half for overtime; and you are throwing out a lot of 
wild talk about Wall street, watered stock, and titled 
European sons-in-law. But it is not so easy as it looks 
off from the top of a box car, with the straight road 
ahead, going down grade. 

You must bear in mind that, to the people who 
manage the railroads, watered, as well as the unwa^ 
tered, stock is not an asset, but a liability. Somewhere, 
between the time the road was built and the present, 
someone zmtered the stock; thai is, reorganized and 
issued stock for more than the physical value of the 
property — and got away with the goods. 

The managers can't remedy that matter. It is up 
to them to "saw wood" , and make the earnings of the 
road cover operating expenses, upkeep, taxes, interest 
on bonds and all the other little wrinkles; and, if pos- 
sible, pay dividends on the stock, whether watered or 
dry. 

Don't you suppose the ''lamb" that zvandered into 
Wall street and bought a few shares of the stock in the 
road that you are working for would like some profit, 
as well as you do on those lots you bought, out in 
Woodbetownf 



68 Dead Men's Shoes 

''You should worry" about the sons-in-law. You 
find someonf who is able to tell dry stocks from what 
has been watered, and we'll have it sorted out- — thafs 
the only way to get down to ''brass tacks". 

Meanwhile, if you people get what you are asking 
for^ you will have the managers in a bad squeeze, until 
they can figure how to best squeeze us — then they will 
have poor us, zvith no one to squeeze but ourselves. 

Organised labor thinks itself clever in getting the 
best of the "higher ups" ; but, really, they are only 
"passing the buck" and, in the end, "the chicken comes 
home to roost". Wait till you hear brrr-rr-r-r- 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Life is a strange, mist-bound journey. A few 
things we know, some more we surmise, many we 
imagine, but an infinite number remain entirely beyond 
us. Arriving with our faculties in a nebulous state, 
we, little by little, begin to perceive and distinguish — 
things are pointed out to us — we are commencing to 
realize that we are apart from the mist and not of it — 
and to recognize some few objects in our immediate 
vicinity. We are beginning to know^ — and all that has 
been observed and recorded we learn and accept as 
knowledge — and many things that we accept as facts, 
jar and clash with other accepted facts, until we de- 
spair of finding a solution to the myriad of conflicting 
problems. For our perspective extends only a little 
way into the mist^ — and what lies beyond — above — 
under — no man knows. 



Pro and Con of It 69 

"Many men have many notions," and, even in mat- 
ters pertaining to our present system, recognized au- 
thorities often make diametrically opposed prognosti- 
cations. 

The men who perform manual labor cast envious 
eyes upon those who are better favored. They feel 
that they are being robbed of part of the result of their 
labor, and are continually importuning for concessions, 
little realizing that the man they envy is equally a 
victim oi the system, being bound and compassed 
about by obligations and contingencies which often 
make the load he must carry not only laborious, but 
nerve-racking and torturing. This applies especially 
to the man in moderate circumstances, operating on a 
small scale and with limited capital. Owing to a combi- 
nation of speculation and "dead men's shoes", he must 
pay a high price for the raw and semi-finished ma- 
terial ; what with keen competition and the poor mar- 
kets that are open to him, his best chance to make a 
profit is by taking advantage of labor and through a 
low scale of wages reduce the cost of production. 

And, like the sword of Damocles, there is always 
hanging over him the possibility that through some 
untoward circumstance — such as a fire, or a suit for 
damages because of an accident — financial ruin may 
reduce him to the same plane as his workmen, from 
whose level, unless he possesses exceptional native 
ability, he knows too well the difficulty of rising, espe- 
cially if past the middle age. 



70 Dead Men's Shoes 

Besides this, he has the status of his family to 
maintain ; and the ever-present desire, necessary under 
this system, to leave as heavy a pair of "shoes" as 
possible, so that his children may not be trampled into 
the mire of our classified society. 

The slogan of labor is : organize — stand up for 
your rights — cut down the profits of capital and give^ 
us a larger share. Modem machinery has reduced the 
necessary working force — therefore give us a shorter 
workday, so that all may find employment. Foodstuff 
and commodities are going up — therefore, give us 
higher wages, so that we may live. 

When one craft of workmen organize and are 
granted their demand of higher pay, the supposition is 
that they are getting a larger share of the profits' — 
they are able to live better than formerly. 

But are they, really, getting the better of capital? 
Are they not, rather, taking an advantage of their fel- 
low workmen — ^those organized crafts that have not 
yet received any advance — ^those who are not yet or- 
ganized — and those \Vho never will be organized? 
These are, as yet, producing commodities at a rela- 
tively low price, which gives a greater advantage to 
the craft whose wages have been increased. 

When they have all advanced, up the one notch 
lead by the first craft, and capital, not being idle, has 
raised the price on foodstuff and commodities to cover 
the new cost of labor, they are, theoretically, on the 
same basis as before, but, in reality, in a worse con- 
dition. • Because capital, in raising prices to reimburse 



Pro and Con of It 71 

itself for the larger cost of labor, has figured in the 
higher cost of raw material and the extra interest upon 
a higher valuation of the plant, tools and equipment, 
which, because of the greater value of labor and ma- 
terial, would cost more to replace. 

So long as the class struggle is carried on along 
these lines, the only ones to suffer will be the prole- 
tarians, for, while making war on the upper class, they 
are only hurting themselves. 

When the classes have been eliminated, the strug- 
gle between the diflerent branches of labor will still 
continue, but in the open and with a better understand- 
ing of one another's problems. For it is manifestly 
unjust to consider any demand, law, or measure that 
shall deal only with the interest of a certain craft, 
branch or class, without giving due consideration to 
the welfare of society as a whole. 

But with the levelling of classes — with free and 
equal opportunities — those divisions of labor where 
the longest hours and smallest compensation obtains 
will be avoided, until there is a more equitable adjust- 
ment along natural lines. 

Are we living better? Are we getting more out of 
life? Are we more contented? Is life's battle easier? 

We are living more pretentiously ; but as the years 
go by, the consumer will be carrying a bigger and 
heavier load and all, but those in the upper crust, find 
the strife more and more galling. As values advance, 
the demarcation between the classes will become more 



72 Dead Men's Shoes 

and more pronounced, and the impediment to rise 
greater for those in the lower strata. 

Any tax on property, commodity, or industry, even- 
tually finds its way to and is carried by labor, making 
living conditions harder. Practically, the only tax 
which cannot in some measure be made a burden upon 
labor, and which is also the hardest one to avoid, is 
the inheritance tax; and for this reason the imposi- 
tion of such a tax, in itself, would make living condi- 
tions easier. 

By the abolition oif "dead men's shoes", i. e., the 
enactment of a one hundred percent inheritance tax, 
all other forms of taxation could be discontinued, with 
the exception of such as would have to be imposed for 
regulation and in order to maintain proper economic 
conditions. Under this head would come a, probably 
necessary, export tax on raw and semi-finished ma- 
terial, and a stamp-tax to regulate and validate the 
sale and transfer of commodities in bulk, property, 
stocks and all classes of securities, between individuals. 

Theoretically, foreign trade is beneficial only in so 
far as we can exchange our surplus of certain prod- 
ucts which we have special facilities for producing in 
abundance, for other products which we either cannot 
produce or, for some reason, produce of inferior qual- 
ity only. But the conditions are abnormal, and should 
be remedied, if we neglect our own resources simply 
because we can buy the foreign product cheaper. We 
can exchange freely with other countries only in the 
measure that both people conform to the same standard 



Pro and Con of It 7Z 

of living, and even then their resources of certain 
Hnes of raw materials may be so abundant, in com- 
parison to the population, that they can well afford to 
undersell us in our own market. 

If the people would take concerted action to pro- 
tect their interests, the country producing the prime ne- 
cessities in abundance, such as foodstuff, clothing and 
fuel, would always have control of the situation. 
Therefore, the tariff, regulating export as well as im- 
port, should be scientifically adjusted; having in view 
the economic independence and true welfare of the 
country. 

Exploiting a foreign market for individlial gain 
should be permissible only in so far as it does not 
work a hardship to our own people. There is no good 
reason why we should pay greatly increased prices for 
our foodstuffs, to swell large individual profits, be- 
cause of political disturbances and wars in other 
countries. 

When a people obtains the raw material from a 
foreign source, converts it into a finished product and 
sells it in a foreign market, they are exploiting some- 
one coming and going, profitting and rendering useful 
service the while. But when the people who control 
the raw material, and those of the foreign market, are 
educated and wake up to their possibilities, they will, 
unless coerced (and right here is a fruitful source of 
international friction and war), gradually eliminate 
the middle-men, leaving them in a precarious position, 
because they have been enjoying a fictitious prosperity 



74 Dead Men's Shoes 

which did not work along natural lines but was based 
upon the backwardness of the people they dealt with. 

The abolition, by these countries, of 'Mead men's 
shoes" would put a short stop to indiscriminate foreign 
exploitation of their resources, and hasten the adjust- 
ment along natural lines. 

The present machinery for the collection of taxes 
being obsolete, a new system would have to be devised. 
This would probably take the form of a local system 
for each county, being under the supervision of the 
state head office, which should in turn be controlled 
by the federal head-administrator. 

There should be proper birth registration, and of- 
ficial transfer upon removal from one county to an- 
other. This would be useful for other purposes also. 

The duties of the local officials would be to take 
charge of all "dead men's shoes", break them up, ap- 
praise their minimum value, and, within a specified 
time, advertise and sell them, at public auction, to the 
highest bidder. 

It should also be their function^ — ^in the case of the 
defunct leaving minor- children — to determine, in ac- 
cordance with certain set rules, what proportion of 
the proceeds of the estate should remain in Uncle 
Sam's coff^fers, subject to the order of their guardians, 
for the children's maintenance and education, until 
they become of age. 

The balance should be divided, pro rata, to defray 
the expenses and to carry on the work of the city, 
county, state, and federal administrations. 



Pro and Con of It 75 

The selling for cash, or part cash, to the highest 
bidder, a life interest in property, would have a ten- 
dency to eliminate wild speculation and keep the 
prices of land and raw materials low and steady ; be- 
cause, in place of, as now, buying and tying up for 
fear it might be gobbled up by someone else, Uncle 
Sam would carry the surplus — giving society the best 
opportunity to properly conserve and, wherever pos- 
sible, increase its resources (as, for instance, in the 
case of standing timber), and we would buy as we 
required. 

The moment anyone thought business justified, he 
could ask to have some property, that had not brought 
the minimum appraised value, put on the auction block 
again. 

Thus, when land, or property of any kind, com- 
manded a good price, the higher bidding would bene- 
fit society; and when someone, through shrewd fore- 
sight, had bought while it was cheaper — iconsidering 
there would be no taxes to pay — the increase would 
accrue to his benefit; but when he has enjoyed the 
fruit of his enterprise and labor the residue, upon his 
decease, reverts back to society. 

If a person is inclined to be greedy, it is his privi- 
lege to buy all the land, property, or stock, that he is 
able to arrange to pay for. He may live frugally, save 
and reinvest his income, go so far as he likes — there 
should be no limits ; for it is his to use as he sees fit, 
within the law. But when he slips out of his shoes — 



76 Dead Men's Shoes 

"good night" — straight into Uncle Sam's coffers they 

go- 
By this method, shares in industrial plants and 

railways would be brought down to its real value, 
which is — for the total capitalization — the cost of re- 
producing the plant, tools and equipment; and upon 
that value it should pay a fair rate of interest. Thus 
the shares and securities would be safe for the opera- 
tives to invest their earnings in, making them the real 
owners. 

When anyone thought he had acquired enough to 
live upon the income, it would be his privilege to re- 
tire; or to continue working — in order to have more 
to spend, or to accumulate — should he feel so inclined. 

Under such a system, the leverage that may be at- 
tained in a lifetime will not prove a menace to society. 
It is only when resources, land, tools and equipments 
are tied up and handed down from generation to gen- 
eration that it becomes a class builder. 

On the other hand, if nature has endowed a person 
with unusual talents — if gifted with special aptitude 
for the management of large affairs — he will stay in 
the game for the service he is able to render, and not, 
primarily, for the money he incidentally acquires as 
the result of his activities. 

The cost of land and raw materials should be, the- 
oretically, no more than its share of the expense of 
administration. But, as now, there will be many un- 
dertakings in which society must engage, as a whole, 
for the care and protection of its members; such as 



Pro and Con of It 77 

the reclamation and development of new lands, the 
dredging and controlling of rivers, and, until the ma- 
jority of countries adopt a similar system, the mainte- 
nance of a military establishment for protection. 

There is also another factor which will govern the 
regulation of prices, and that is competitive bidding, 
and this— when conducted openly and fairly, and when 
the estates are broken up so that the common people 
can bid — is, by far, the best adjuster of values. 

And thus the public treasury will fare as fares the 
people ; and improvements be carried forward accord- 
ing to some comprehensive plan that shall aim at the 
development and utilization of the countries' natural 
resources ; not for the gain and benefit of a select few, 
but to make it more and more safe and habitable for 
the people and yet not stifle individual incentive, en- 
terprise and freedom. 

Ultimately, when all resources and every foot of 
available land on the earth has been developed to the 
utmost, with the race still increasing, there remains 
only two solutions, if the standard of living is to be 
maintained, and they are: to war upon one another, 
or to restrict the birthrate. 

Given a certain standard of living, the larger the 
population the higher will be the values. Therefore, 
an excessively large increase in the population is no 
more to be desired than an excessive diminution. There 
is a happy medium, like in most other things mundane. 

Up to the present we have drifted along in a 
"happy-go-lucky" sort of way, with a continuous 



78 Dead Men's Shoes 

feast and famine performance at the expense of one 
another; every one contributing to the feast, but only 
a select few drawing the lucky tickets entitling the 
holder to a seat; making bloody wars upon one an- 
other, sometimes with the worthy aim of insuring that 
our enemy took the right road to heaven, but most 
generally on account of squabbles between the claim- 
ants of some "dead man's shoes". 

It is not to be disputed but the new system will 
cause a radical disturbance in the existing order of 
things ; and it is so intended. 

The present fictitious valuation will be reduced and 
for a time things will be in a more or less chaotic state 
until adjustments can be made in conformity with the 
new system. It will take years to enact laws and regu- 
lations to safeguard against, and eliminate, new abuses 
and pernicious practices that will arise and develop 
with the new system. 

Those who have already inherited, and therefore 
are in possession of a large surplus, would have an 
undue advantage, being able to buy at the lower prices 
and temporarily control some of the resources. Many, 
being hostile to the new order of things, would use 
their wealth to block and in every conceivable way en- 
deavor to bring discredit upon the new system; but 
with the expiration of the present generation it would 
be in full working order. 

■ The old institution of inheritance is so bred in the 
bone that many would feel morally justified in resort- 
ing to fraud and subterfuge, yes, even to force, in 



Pro and Con of It 79 

order to circumvent the newly enacted law. This was 
done at the time of the abolition of chattel slavery and 
still happens in connection with the enforcement of 
the excise tax on whisky.* 

The viewpoint of a great many people is deter- 
mined, not by the intrinsic merit of a case, nor yet by 
its effect upon the general welfare of society, but by 
the simple process of considering its immediate ad- 
vantages or disadvantages to "me" and "mine". 

The new system will accrue to the advantage of 
by far the larger majority of people, for there is noth- 
ing gained by staggering under a burden of fictitious 
valuation to pay interest and taxes upon; when we 
get down to a natural, common sense basis, many of 
the ulcers of society will disappear, we shall be healthy 
and get more out of life. 

There will be no confiscation, for no man will be 
deprived of anything that he himself has earned, 
gained and accumulated ; he will not even be required, 
as now, to pay taxes upon its valuation ; it will be his, 
to enjoy, absolutely. He has the first right, because 
he rendered service which earned and gave him the 
right to draw it, for his own use, from society's store- 
house ; when he is no longer among the living, it must 
revert back to the storehouse, so that the incoming 
generation may also have a chance to earn it. 

As usual, we are confronted with the threat of 
gold disappearing from circulation. 



* Written in 1916, 



80 Dead Men's Shoes 

We have worshipped the golden calf so long that 
whenever he tosses his shaggy head humanity trem- 
bles. Gold has been singularly suitable as a medium 
of exchange, and through this suitability has derived 
its great value. But should a serious attempt be made 
to turn it into a golden club, means may be found to 
demote it — at least until it is again available for the 
service of humanity in its proper sphere. 

Under the new conditions we shall not require such 
a large volume of money ; but if we do use the large 
volume, labor must receive compensation more nearly 
in proportion to the existing valuation of resources. 

Since every man would be obliged to pay, primar- 
ily, with his labor, there would be no buying with 
money as capital — the slate being wiped clean between 
each generation — but with the medium of exchange 
as representing services rendered. 

For the medium of exchange, accumulated, is noth- 
ing but an obligation to be paid in labor at some future 
time. 

For when a person renders service, he receives the 
medium which enables him to exchange his labor for 
the labor of others — resources being free, since they 
were placed here free, by nature. True, he would be 
required to pay for resources also' — but only because 
and to the extent of exchanging his individual service 
for the collective service of society as a whole. 

When he loans money to anyone, he lends his labor, 
already accomplished and preserved, for his own bene- 
fit, in the form of the medium of exchange, and is 



Pro and Con of It 81 

morally entitled to compensation, or interest, for the 
use of it. 

There is even a possibility that by using an arti- 
ficial medium of exchange better control may be ob- 
tained of its volume by placing a time-limit upon this 
obligation to pay in labor — all notes bearing a due- 
date, before the expiration of which they should be 
exchanged for new ones. 

A very serviceable medium of exchange may be 
formulated by issuing notes against the total wealth of 
the nation, redeemable in that wealth itself. 

It may be contended that this has been tried and 
found unsatisfactory. But it has never been tried un- 
der similar conditions. Under the new system, there 
would be a continuous influx of every description of 
wealth into Uncle Sam's coffers, from a cradle to a 
coffin, and everything that man may require between 
the two. Consequently, the notes could actually be 
redeemed in the very wealth upon which they were 
based. The mere, serious, consideration of thus de- 
monetizing gold would make the golden calf meek and 
gentle. 

The farmer will not be ruined. The land will still 
be there, and as fertile as ever. 

It will not have such a high value. 

Very good! That will save him from working 
early and late, all his life, in order to pay for it. In 
place of working to cover the fictitious valuation, he 
will have money to spend upon himself and his family. 
He will not receive so much for what he produces, and 



82 Dead Men's Shoes 

neither does he need to figure taxes or interest upon 
the false valuation. 

And, with the parasites separated from the system, 
perhaps we shall be able to make a closer connection 
between the producer and the consumer, certainly 
transportation charge, storage and rent will be more 
nearly their true value, and the same applies to ma- 
chinery and everything that the farmer requires. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r Yes, John! Alongside of your mother. 
Nothing has been the same since she died; hut it was 
always our highest wish to clear the place, so you 
woiildn't have to go through what we have done. 

Life has been just onf long, toilsome workday; but, 
thank God, I lifted the mortgage at last. 

Everything is in good shape; and I wish I could 
stay to see the children grovu up and have a good time, 
and you and your zvife make a good lizing off the 
place; but I am so tired. 

Is it time, now? He said: ''Every two hours". 

John! Put up a monument, just a plain one, right 
betzveen the two of us; and don't spend too much for 
the outfit. Pete Hopkins is rich enough now, and you 
might as well have it, anyhozv. 

VOICE. 

What is the use of all this talk? 



Pro and Con of It 83 

The proposed law is certainly, right on its face, 
confiscatory ; and the constitution of the United States 
would be irrevocably opposed to it. 

Thank goodness, the constitution cannot be easily 
amended, and the vested interests of this country 
would fight, as one fights for life, with every conceiv- 
able weapon at their disposal, any such amendment. 

Do you wish to precipitate civil strife and disorder? 

There is entirely too much of this going on, and I, 
for one, think that a check should be placed upon free 
speech of this caliber. 

Granting, for the sake of argument, that such a 
law is placed upon the statute book; in place of im- 
proving the economic condition of society, it would 
drive us ''out of the ashes into the fire". 

In place of levelling classes, it would create a new, 
powerful, office-holding class, and make all the com- 
mon people servile subjects of a corrupt, ruling bu- 
reaucracy. 

The system would eventually drift into govern- 
ment ownership of all utilities — sounding the death- 
knell to individual initiative, enterprise and self-re- 
liance — making us all ''serfs" and "peons" to the rul- 
ing class. 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

In common with many other countries, we have 
already a law imposing a small, graduated inheritance 
tax : and which is not held to be unconstitutional. 



84 Dead Men's Shoes 

Granting that this is a tax for revenue — ^but so 
would the new tax be. 

The crux of the matter is : where does revenue 
taxation end and confiscation begin? 

The constitution should not be amended hastily or 
for trivial reasons. But as society advances and new 
conditions arise, when the majority of the people deem 
that a change is necessary, or desirable, only ignorance 
and stupidity would oppose changing it to meet the 
altered conditions — for the constitution was made for 
the people, and not the people for the constitution. 
The framers of the constitution were products of their 
period and environing conditions — just as we are the 
products of our period — and were no more gifted to 
look into the future, perhaps not as well — for we have, 
since, covered the most wonderfully progressive cycle 
in the world's history and may, by that, have a better 
inkling of what the future has in store. 

As society advances, the constitution must be 
amended from time to time to conform with the altered 
conditions, or become a shackle, impeding society's 
progress. 

There are only two things necessary to attain the 
proposed change in our economic system, and they 
are : education, and the ballot. There will be strenuous 
and bitter opposition, but, once we realize where lies 
truth and justice, buried under ages of false pretenses 
and impositions, no vested interest, gold or glitter, can 
stem the avalanche, precipitated by its own, unwieldly, 
over-balancing weight. 



Pro and Con of It 85 

Government ownership, as well as the government 
itself, all hinges upon the people ; for, more than ever, 
the majority will rule. 

Under our present system, many citizens are indif- 
ferent about their government. 

They say, it is being run for the benefit of the up- 
per classes. 

They would not fight for, or defend, the country. 

They say, they have no country, nor part or parcel 
in it — being owned by and run for the benefit of those 
whom the accident of birth has given the advantage. 

No human arrangement will ever be flawless, nor 
can any system be made so perfect that it will abso- 
lutely guard against dishonesty. However, if we are 
to be robbed, it is preferable to have it done illegally. 

But when the economic conditions depend more di- 
rectly upon how society's governmental affairs are 
managed — when it is brought right home to us, in our 
own neighborhood, and governs the prices which we 
must pay for property (consequently, also, for com- 
modities) that we have an equal chance to acquire — 
we shall all be not only citizens but, virtually, stock- 
holders, and, as such, will guard our own interest, 
making it our business to see that the concern is being 
run wisely and economically, or know the reason why. 

In the executive branch of the government, we 
should have elective managers for each department, 
having complete control and appointive power over 
their subordinates — so there may be no shuffling or 
shifting of responsibility. 



86 Dead Men's Shoes 

Limit the number of elective offices ; penalize cam- 
paigning by candidates or office-holders; and auto- 
matically disfranchise all elective and appointive office- 
holders from voting at general elections. 

All the governors of the different states should 
automatically stand as candidates for the presidential 
office, and the same principle should govern through- 
out the system — making the lower office a training- 
course for the higher one, and still leaving in the 
hands of the electorate the determination of the in- 
cumbent's fitness to occupy the higher office. 

By making the subordinate office-holders, whether 
elective or appointive, candidates for the higher elec- 
tive office, becoming so automatically, according to 
rules and regulations, a premium would be placed upon 
efficiency. 

Elect the chief office-holders for a given term, give 
them power, and trust them — then, when things are 
not running satisfactory, we shall know just where the 
trouble is. 

Let him be an autocrat in his own department — 
"hire" and "fire" as if he were running his own, private 
business — for that is the only sensible way to get re- 
sults. 

There would be less danger of drifting into gov- 
ernment ownership, with its concomitant crystalliza- 
tion and unwieldiness, than there is under our present 
system. 

The very fluidity of the new system, the abundant 
opportunities offered, the necessity, not only of a cer- 



Pro and Con of It 87 

tain class but for all, to bestir, and rely upon them- 
selves, would preclude government ownership. 

For government ownership is advocated only as a 
panacea against the *'octopusian" proclivities of a cer- 
tain class. 

VOICE. 

Our people are departing more and more from the 
spirit of our father's. 

There is a rebellious feeling abroad in the land, 
grumbling against the established order of things — 
urging freakish legislation and the demolishment of 
the old safe-guards which our patriotic forefathers 
wisely erected for our protection against ourselves. 

This theory is certainly the last straw, and if there 
was any chance of it becoming a law, I and my family, 
and a great many others, would immediately convert 
our holdings into gold, shake this American dust off 
from our feet and emigrate to Europe, or some other 
country, where our property rights would be respected. 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrf-rr-r-r- And your forefathers came over on 
the "Mayiiower" — My Word! 

By Jove! There is nothing that appeals to me quite 
as much as ''blue blood" , don't you know. 

To he able to look hack through the mist of the 
ages and mentally see your ancestors acquitting them- 
selves nohly — always in^ the van of the turmoil of the 
period. 



88 Dead Men's Shoes 

And the same principle applies, in a lesser degree, 
to nationalities, don't you know. 

You will pardon me — / may appear prejudiced — 
hut to he entirely frank — I have always entertained a 
secret feeling of pity, verging almost upon contempt, 
for men of other nationalities, don't you know. 

When I read history and consider the hrave and 
valorous deeds of our forebears, and when I look about 
me and recognise that the mere fact of being a Freng- 
maniac denotes superior intelligence, sound, common 
sense an4 downright, unqualified honesty — By Jove — 
/ have a glowing feeling of pride which sends the 
blood surging through my veins, while my heart beats 
a challenge, defying the zifhole human race to compare 
with us. 

"Gott in himmeir I can see my ancestors, with 
the crusaders, go thundering through Europe, fighting 
for a noble cause, far back in the middle ages. 

One of my ancestors rendered distinguished serv- 
ices to the king of ''Frengmany^' , in acknowledgment 
of which he was knighted and a large landed estate 
entailed upon the family. 

''Sacre NomT I have lost my cigarette-case. 

Thanks. 

The estate is at present in the possession of an- 
other branch of the family, which leagues me — as you, 
American^, say — "on my uppers", don't you know. 

Au revoir, old chappie! It was very good of you to 
accommodate me. By Jove! the remittance must have 
been delayed by the post, don't you know. 



Pro and Con of It 89 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

It is not ethically right to drain the fruit of labor 
out of the country that produced it, without returning 
value in kind. 

If he would take the gold and promise faithfully 
(and keep his promise) that, as soon as he arrived on 
the other side, he would have all of it cast in the image 
of a calf, to be used as a family fetich until the end of 
time, we could say: "take it; we are the gainers by 
your departure". But what he really does take is our 
ham and eggs, our wheat and commodities ; thereby 
reducing our abundance without giving us anything 
in return that we did not have before. 

Nevertheless, so long as these practices are not car- 
ried to such an extreme that it imperils the welfare of 
the nation, the only course open to us, after he has 
paid the stamp-tax, to validate the sale of his property, 
will be to bid him farewell and wish him a pleasant 
journey. 

But there is another thing his gold will do. It will 
create a temporary, fictitious prosperity and raise 
values out of all proportion in those countries, and 
hasten the time when they also shall change their 
system. 

Some of those countries are staggering under a 
war-debt yoke which will keep them enslaved for gen- 
erations to come, unless they adopt this system. 

If he emigrated to one of the new countries, the 
same thing would happen, only that it would take 
longer time. Temporarily, he and his children would 



90 Dead Men's Shoes 

enjoy an advantage that was denied them in this 
country, but sooner or later — and if the influx of gold 
was heavy, sooner — the economic condition would be 
such that the people of that country would follow the 
example set by the countries that had already adopted 
the one hundred percent inheritance tax policy. 

Should he lose his gold in some industrial gamble 
in one of those countries, the story would read some- 
what differently. Having lost his golden lever, the 
prodigal son would make a ''bee-line" for this country, 
where he knew the greatest reward for individual ef- 
fort would be obtainable. 

And that brings us, in natural sequence, to the 
question whether immigration is beneficial or not. 

The newly arrived immigrant would naturally be 
exploited by the native, or naturalized, citizen, but 
gradually the material would be worked up and amal- 
gamated with the population, just as is being done 
now. 

Our country is, as yet, only partly developed, and 
is well able to sustain a much larger population, not to 
the detriment of those who are already here but, on the 
contrary, for mutual gain and benefit. 

However, it would be well under all circumstances, 
and especially if the influx of immigrants is heavy, to 
set a high standard. Since we have the privilege, why 
not select the best animals in the herd? That is what 
will count in the long run. The schooling is of minor 
importance, for, given healthy bodies and clean minds, 
we can always teach them tricks. 



Pro and Con of It 91 

VOICE. 

Sir! If such a law was passed, I would squander 
upon my children the major part of my wealth. 

I would bring them up in the greatest luxury and 
extravagance, giving them a good time while it was 
in my power to do so ; knowing that, upon becoming of 
age, my wealth could no longer serve them. 

I would also convert into gold and convey to them, 
surreptitiously, as much of my wealth as I possibly 
could without exciting suspicion; and I would feel 
morally justified in doing so. 

I would give my friends presents with the greatest 
liberality. Or perhaps this would not be permitted? 
Perhaps we would be forbidden the joy of even our 
customary christmas, new year, birthday and wedding 
gifts? 

What a pleasure it would be to live under such 
a system ! 

What would be the incentive of doing anything? 
Why be enterprising or industrious? Why work any 
more than just enough to stave off starvation? 

Let the government keep it all, and we will eke out 
an existence as best we may. What would be the 
sense to buy land or any kind of property ; or to build 
and improve? Why not just lease it from the govern- 
ment, and live from hand to mouth? 

There is still another issue that this law would 
have a bearing upon, and that is the marriage relation, 
the sacredness of which is strengthened, preserved and 



92 Dead Men's Shoes 

maintained by the right and privilege of transmitting 
our property and goods to our children. 

To dispossess us of this right would inevitably work 
havoc to the institution of marriage, foster loseness in 
our morals, and eventually develop into an accepted 
state of promiscuity in the relation between the sexes 
— which would deprive the children not only of their 
property rights but of the proper parental care and 
guidance and the clean love and affection which goes 
with a well regulated family life. 

And what is the government going to do with all 
this money — all this wealth — in case the bidding brings 
its income far above what is required for its main- 
tenance ? 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r-r-r It is impossible. Father would cut 
me oif without a cent; he has already warned me — 
and he means it. 

Go to the city and keep dark until it is over; I will 
give you all the money you need. 

You are more to blame than I am — you set out 
deliberately to trap me because I was wealthy — _, npw 
take your medicine. 

Don't you know, a woman's beauty is her soul, 
lacking which she must need have recourse to the 
allurements of her bodyf 

You, women and girls, in your mode of dress — 
draped to make a teasing display of your sexual wares 



Pro and Con of It 93 

— in your manners and behaviors, appeal to the basest 
in man. 

You love to dally zvith spicy subjects; holding 
yourselves cheap in order to be good fellows and to 
have what to your oblique taste seems pleasure — in your 
anxiety to avoid being prudes, you go to the other ex- 
treme, priding yourselves the while upon your imagined 
superior broadmindedness — but when you get caught 
in the net of your own spreading, you whimper and 
whine. 

I don't mind telling you that when my father was 
sick I had a chance and was tempted to give him an 
overdose. That would have fixed the money matter. 
But I would not, now, marry you, under any con- 
sideration — a woman who zvill do anything to obtain 
a fortune. 

You have the shell- — perfection of physical charms 
in the highest degree — that is enough for most men 
and blinds all for a time. We should let the head 
decide, then seal it with the heart — for beauty never 
binds, it only blinds. 

The Lord knows, my own ideals are none too high. 
All the more do I need a mate whose influence is for 
the better, whose companionship has a tendency to 
bring out the best and not the zvorst in me. 

Marrying you would help neither one of us — for 
"two wrongs never made one right.'' 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

A parent is the guardian of his children and, so 



94 Dead Men's Shoes 

long- as he does not neglect, abuse or pervert them, 
should not be interfered with. But any parent, having 
his children's true welfare at heart, will bring them 
up and train them with a view to their future career. 

It is obvious that they will be poorly equipped for 
life's battle, if brought up in indolent luxury and hav- 
ing their childish cravings indulged in every way. 
And unless wealthy parents wish to see their children 
lose out in life's contest, it will behoove them to in- 
voke some of the "Spartan" methods, because their 
artificial goldprops will no longer serve. 

It should be the highest desire of every normal 
parent to equip his children, not with a superfluity of 
glittering, hallow accomplishments and empty graces, 
serviceable only for outshining one another in "vanity 
fair," but with true knowledge and the development of 
some talent that will be of practical use in doing their 
share of the world's work — serve them as a means of 
earning a livelihood and to become worthy citizens. 

The accident of birth will still give them great ad- 
vantages. For it is but natural wlhen the parent oc- 
cupies a position of control that he should favor and 
give preference to his own child^ — everything else being 
equal — and quite often, other things not being equal — 
but, ultimately, true quality will tell. 

A token of friendship and good will should not be 
measured by its money-worth, and costly gifts gene- 
rally vitiate the spirit of true appreciation of friend- 
ship. Most of our giving is merely the swapping of 



Pro and Con of It 95 

presents — ^debasing it to the level of commercial ex- 
change and swerving true friendship towards hy- 
pocrisy. 

There should be no interference with the giving 
of tokens of friendship and esteem. But, under a 
system that is based upon the fact that what we have 
acquired is ours to use but not to give, it would be wise 
not to invite suspicion and comments; for it may be 
quite easily determined what is a token of good will 
and esteem or what is meant to circumvent the law. 

We can legislate against dishonesty; but we can- 
not, by legislation, make people honest. 

The right kind of education will be a big factor 
in this matter. And the new system will have a ten- 
dency to cultivate a spirit of fairness and integrity — 
''to live and to let live" — in contradistinction to the 
present system, which practices getting the best of one 
another and to profit by one another's misfortunes. 

We deplore the increase in crime and lawlessness, 
and yet do not realize that it is but the consequent 
product of what is practiced in all grades of society — 
to get the advantage of one another — to hold one an- 
other down — to speculate upon and profit by one an- 
other's necessity. 

We teach and prate to our children of brotherly 
love and forbearance, but our highest aim in life is 
to make a big, fat profit out of our brother's necessity 
— to gain something that we have not earned. And, 
under our present system, "we must do others, or they 
will do us." 



96 Dead Men's Shoes 

Let us, then, change this system; so there may be 
no vestige of hypocrisy in our teaching or practice. 

Then will the growing generation acquire such a 
deeply rooted consciousness of honesty that every 
man who yields to the temptation of wrongdoing will, 
of his own accord, come forward, as his own accuser, 
and demand punishment. 

When the policy is that every child born into the 
world will have the same access to the world's wealth 
as any other child, we shall have a more fundamental 
spirit of honesty and justice; and the time will come 
when no greater reproach, or slur, can be cast upon any 
man than to accuse him of having started unfair. 

We are all prone to complain of rapacious and 
grasping corporations, that they are, by monopoliza- 
tion, excluding the man of moderate circumstances 
from the field; but the same leaven is at work in all 
grades of society — we are all actuated by the same 
motives. And we have no right to urge a restraint 
upon them, because they operate on a large scale, if 
we are adverse to submit to be restrained ourselves ; for 
the principle is the same. 

The members of the big corporations are striving, 
with might and main, to tie up as much as possible of 
the world's wealth, for themselves and their children; 
and that is, precisely, the aim of the common people, 
on a smaller scale, but still to the utmost of their 
ability. 

In regard to the marriage relation ; if its sacredness 
hinges upon such a flimsy contingency as "property 



Pro and Con of It 97 

rights", it is small wonder that it is continually being 
made cheap, violated, and made sport of ; that consecu- 
tive polygamy obtains ; that homes are broken up and 
the children treated to discord and strife in place of 
love and affection; that women regard marriage as a 
meal-ticket, and that the parasitical tendencies are de- 
veloped and practiced in the institution of marriage. 

With the new system, we shall have a finer feeling 
in these matters. Wedlock will no longer mean the 
union of fortunes, nor, to any such great extent, the 
capturing of wealth as the main consideration and 
happiness and the children's welfare as secondary or 
not considered at all. 

The gentleman questions : "what would be the use 
of being enterprising — or of doing anything?" 

We shall still have our living to make. And for 
the first time in history will a man's position in so- 
ciety be determined by the service he renders, and not 
by his capacity to enjoy the wealth accumulated by a 
previous generation. 

Should anyone think that the game is not worth 
while, because he is not permitted to hand down an 
unfair advantage to his children, it will be his privi- 
lege to hang back and sulk, while the others move 
forward and enjoy the good things of life. 

Is it reasonable to think that we shall not be en- 
terprising because taxes are not required of us; that 
we shall not be prosperous because part of our earn- 
ings are no longer used for paying tribute to an idle- 
rich class; that we shall not be happy because denied 



98 Dead Men's Shoes 

the privilege of polishing a lot of "dead men's shoes" ; 
that we shall not be able to enjoy life because of the 
fact that, when we can no longer eat, drink, or wear 
clothes, all our substance will be taken from us? 

Leasing, at a fixed rental or on a royalty basis, is 
not such a bad idea. But man, especially in his youth, 
is generally optimistic in regard to the future^ — life is 
before him, and death a long way off. He is ambi- 
tious — ^he wants something that he can call his very 
own, to be lord and master of — and the purchase 
price he pays is a wager that he will live longer than 
the number of years required to total the price in 
rentals. 

He will build and improve, just as is being done 
now, for the income, and, if he is broadminded, pub- 
lic-spirited and has the means, for esthetic reasons 
and to serve his fellow men. 

If few houses are built, rents will go up; making 
the incentive to build greater. 

The tendency of our present system is to build up 
values as high as possible, to maintain them at a high 
level, and to build them still higher — to concentrate 
the wealth into the hands of the few. 

The tendency of the new system will be to re- 
duce values as low as possible, to maintain them at a 
low level, and to prevent them from going higher than 
what would be necessary to carry on the administrative 
functions and such work as tended to the welfare of 
society as a whole — ^to distribute the wealth among 
the greatest number. 



Pro and Con of It 99 

Under a system that is based in such a way that no 
fictitious valuation can be added and built onto indefi- 
nitely, wages, length of workday, rates of interest, and 
prices of commodities, land, railway and industrial 
stocks, or property of any kind, will be governed 
along natural lines and will not deviate greatly to one 
extreme or the other. It will put a short stop to most 
of the gambling and speculation; business being con- 
ducted more on a cash basis; more to cater to our 
needs, and less with profit as the sole object in view; 
and auxiliary laws should be enacted to guide business 
along these lines. 

There will, undoubtedly, be small souled persons, 
consumed with anxiety to squander and clean up 
everything they possess just before the final exit, and 
who will feel that they are not getting the best of the 
deal, should Uncle Sam find any leavings. But as 
time passes, introducing a more wholesome spirit, 
their number will be negligable. 

Uncle Sam, then, as now, will find numerous uses 
for the money. 

First, we have the maintenance of the city, county, 
state and federal administrations with their ordinary 
expenses and expenditures co-incident with their func- 
tion. (Perhaps, with the lower values, the income 
will not be sufficient for the maintenance of the gov- 
ernment. Perhaps it will still be necessary to levy 
municipal taxes and assessments for local improve- 
ments.) Then, there is the development of new lands 



100 Dead Men's Shoes 

and resources, and such improvements as will benefit 
and safeguard the public. 

Beyond these, there are many measures that would 
prove beneficial, among which may be mentioned an 
"old age pension." 

Such a pension should be applicable to all persons 
over a certain age, irrespective of their financial 
standing; thereby removing any taint of charity or en- 
couragement of improvidence. It need not be suffi- 
cient to keep a person in comfort; but it should be 
enough so that no person that is past the years of his 
usefulness would be obliged to take the "gas route" 
for the lack of three meals per day and a bed to 
sleep in. 

With the new system in operation, we shall have a 
more intelligent electorate — a citizenry that will take 
a far greater interest in governmental affairs — and, 
consequently, a more efficient government in all its 
various branches. 

And if, through economical management, such a 
"calamitous" condition should ever obtain that Uncle 
Sam accumulates a large surplus in the treasury, there 
is always the "safety-valve" of declaring a dividend. 

VOICE. 

Do you think every one will be happy and satisfied 
in your Utopia ? 

Will we never try to get the best of one another — 
will we always consider others before ourselves? 



Pro and Con of It 101 

Will it be, truly, in every-day practice, a sort of 
"after you, my dear Alphonse?" 

Will there be no cheating, no stealing, no envy and 
no strife? 

Will the "lion and the lamb lie down together," 
in the best of fellowship — and shall we, really, con- 
vert our "swords into plowshares?" 

Shall we not all become a very common herd — 
monotonously alike^ — , all our aims centered upon 
ministering to our corporeal wants and convenience, 
with no patrons to encourage the higher arts and 
ideals ? 

Is it not necessary that the two extremes of poverty 
and wealth exist, in order to have an outlet for the 
highest genius of human endeavor? 

Shall we not stagnate, become slothful and die? 

THE ICONOCLAST. 

Some people would kick even if most elaborately 
hung, and many will never be quiet and contented 
until six feet of sod is their portion. 

No system can ever be devised that will make every- 
one happy and contented 

But we can arrange for, and maintain, fundamental 
truth and justice ; we can make our precepts fair deal- 
ings and high ideals; and we can make our practice 
conform with our teaching, if we will but cease trying 
to remedy a fundamental wrong through patching and 
cheap adjustments — go to the root of the whole matter 
and rectify the wrong. 



102 Dead Men's Shoes 

For there can be no gainsaying that the most vital 
question, today, is — so far back as history goes, has 
been — and, in the future, will be: "What shall we 
eat — what shall we drink — and wherewithal shall we 
be clothed?" 

The answer to this question holds our domestic, 
national and international relation; our moral and in- 
tellectual standard; our dealings with our fellow men; 
and our own conception of honesty and integrity. For 
we are the creatures of our environing conditions; 
and the economic condition shapes, molds and deter- 
mines all the other conditions. 

When society makes the basic conditions right and 
just, the individual will be the arbiter of his own 
destiny. If he tries honestly, he will receive his just 
desert, according to his individual capability; if he 
fails — society having dealt justly by him — , failure 
will be upon his own head. 

It is for society, as a whole, to make the laws and 
conditions such that our individual tendency to get 
the better of one another cannot be carried too far. 

We must, as society, protect ourselves against one 
another; for self interest is the first law of nature; 
but, advancing, we learn to cultivate fair dealing, for 
the sake of reciprocity. And, as a natural consequence 
of having a properly constructed foundation, we shall 
build up a society having an increasingly larger pro- 
portion of fair-dealing men and women ; until, finally, 
only the abnormal will deviate from the rule. 



Pro and Con of It 10v3 

When the majority of nations have arrived at this 
advanced stage of civilization, war will automatically 
cease, and we shall have, not coerced, but voluntary 
peace. 

In regard to the ever present economic strife, it is 
problematical what place labor unions will occupy in 
the new order of things. 

It is evident that they will not function along the 
present lines of arbitrary demands of one class as 
against another. For, since classes have been levelled, 
and we must all start at the foot, advancing by our 
own efforts and by the joint action of our co-workers, 
the function of labor organizations, if any, will be an 
equitable adjustment, taking the whole economic prob- 
lem into consideration. For as there is a balance to be 
maintained between the producer and the consumer — 
which is, in truth, only the balance between different 
branches of producers — so, also, is there an equally 
important balance between those who organize pro- 
duction and those who execute it. And unless due 
regard is given to all the various branches in any 
adjustment, friction and strife will result. 

If we had a man-ape of sufficient intelligence to 
perform the manual labor, unlimited resources, and a 
limited population — with all the children of men as 
masters — , there would be no serious objection to try 
to outdistance one another in vain-glorious splendor. 
But, even then, envy would probably set to work and 
develop friction, lying diplomacy and war. In spite of 
the fact that we all lived in independent abundance, 



104 Dead Men's Shoes 

we would plunder and carry off one-another's monkeys 
and goods, just for pastime and to win the admiration 
of our ladies. 

But since the economic conditions dictate that we 
can not have palaces without also having hovels; that 
we cannot have segregated, enormous wealth without 
also having abject poverty; that, in order to build py- 
ramids, we must also have slavery, it becomes hu- 
manity's duty, to itself, to dispense with these luxuries. 

Perhaps we shall not have so many of the super- 
fluous luxuries — and it is doubtful that the great ma- 
jority of people will miss them — ^but we shall have a 
greater abundance of the necessities and conveniences. 
And this, in turn, will give a larger field for industry, 
as well as that very much imposing, and imposed upon, 
genius. 

We shall also find that work is not incompatible 
with good taste, high ideals and true refinement. 

Indeed, we shall not stagnate or become slothful; 
for with room enough, not only at the top but all over 
the structure, it will be every man's ambition to climb ; 
and then, fall off — requiting the law of nature. 

Let there be light 
from every angle, 
without fear 
or favor. 



PUTTING A METER ON YOUR . 
WINDPIPE 

The following intrusive speeches, interspersed by 
the psychophone among the subject-matter of the pre- 
ceding pages, have been grouped and added as supple- 
mentary, in order to leave the argumentative portion 
in a more coherent form. 

2{C ^ 'fC ^ 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r-r-r And, as the little black cloud kept 
descending, we noticed that it appeared as if sur- 
charged with electricity. But there was no flash of 
lightning. It had the aspect of a ball or spheroid of 
some mysterious livid force which seemed ever trying 
to release itself, but through some superior law was 
held, confined to its proper circuit. As it came nearer 
and nearer, the most wonderfully enchanting music 
that human ears had ever listened to was heard issu- 
ing from this magic circle. 

Finally it hovered right over the heads of the 
multitude which stood bewitched with awe as a 
heavenly messenger, in an angel's shape and of such 
exquisitely modulated brilliancy of colors that mortal 
eyes could look upon him, came forth from the ce- 
lestial conveyance and spreading his wings glided to 
the platform and laid upon the table a large square 
letter. The messenger as swiftly returned to the con- 
cealing density of the cloud which immediately lifted 



106 Dead Men's Shoes 

and continued rising until, in a very short time, it 
disappeared from view. 

All eyes now centered upon the mayor where he 
stood, spellbound, his fascinated gaze riveted upon the 
letter, reading the portentous superscription: *'To 
The Denizens of Impuesto." With trembling hands 
he reached for and unfolded it, while an even deeper 
hush settled upon the breathlessly waiting populace. 

He read the letter in silence and, as he finished 
reading, it dropped fluttering to the floor. 

His face was blanched with horror and unutterable 
despair, he tottered and would have fallen but for the 
timely assistance of his friends who helped him to a 
seat. At last, anxious to relieve the agonizing sus- 
pense of his fellow citizens, he arose and, in a quaking 
voice, told them the contents of the letter. 

It was a message from The Creator announcing 
that, when the earth had made three hundred revolu- 
tions more around its axle, all the oxygen would be 
shut ojff and gradually separated from the atmospheric 
air in, and around, the neighborhood of the city of 
Impuesto. 

When the awful news had spread throughout the 
city and been discussed, pro and con, in all its various 
phases and bearings upon the destiny of the commu- 
nity, the full realization of the impending calamity 
brought home to every one a feeling of hopeless de- 
jection. 

One could tell by the drawn, set faces, the awed 
whispers, the. cowed, humble behavior of the people, 
that something extraordinary had occurred. 



Putting a Meter on Your Windpipe 107 

The sun shone as usual, the air was as sweet, the 
birds sang and the roses gave forth their fragrance. 
Everything appeared to be as formerly and no per- 
ceptible difference could be discerned. 

Nothing had changed but the manners of the 
people. They were no longer eager, blithesome or 
talkative. A mysterious dread had crept into their 
lives. The things that previously interested them, 
and seemed so momentously weighty, were no longer 
held in esteem. Pleasure and amusement had lost all 
attraction, and those who went about their business 
did so in an indifferent sort of way. Every one con- 
sidered only how to get away, where to go, and how 
much could be saved out of the chaos. 

This mode of living continued for some time, until, 
one morning, two men entered the mayor's office. 

One of these was the city's most prominent banker, 
capitalist and property owner. The other, a man 
about forty years old, of vigorous manhood and de- 
cisive in all his movements, was introduced to the 
mayor as Mr. Youngshoe. 

Mr. Youngshoe opened the conversation by review- 
ing the well known situation of the city, dwelling de- 
ploringly upon the immense prospective loss in pro- 
perty, business and industry. He finally intimated 
that he had come to offer a remedy and confer with 
the mayor upon a business proposition which, if satis- 
factory terms could be arrived at, would wholly ob- 
viate the necessity of the removal of the inhabitants 
and save the incalculable wealth of the city. 



108 Dead Men's Shoes 

Enlarging upon the scheme, Mr. Youngshoe went 
on to explain that he had located and obtained title to 
inexhaustible banks of concentrated oxygen in the 
adjoining county. This could be piped and, by means 
of numerous substation atomizers, utilized for im- 
pregnating the atmosphere of the city of Impuesto, in 
the proper ratio, making the air even better than at 
present. 

The banker now joined in the conversation to in- 
form the mayor that a company was being organized 
which would have the backing of unlimited capital, 
for the control and execution of the project. He 
also hinted that there would be no objection to the 
mayor "coming in" for a few shares on the ''ground 
floor." 

After discussing matters further, in a general way, 
it was agreed to charter a tugboat and visit the pro- 
perty, which was located some distance up the coast, 
taking along competent experts, so that a thorough 
examination could be made to determine the feasibility 
of the undertaking. 

It was not long before the joyous news had spread 
all over the city. 

Reporters besieged the ofhce of the mayor, who 
preserved a noncommittal attitude and referred all 
inquirers to the banker and to Mr. Youngshoe. 

These gentlemen were more than willing to be 
interviewed, with the result that extras soon appeared 
on the streets, which were eagerly bought and read 
with the greatest gusto. 



Putting a Meter on Your Windpipe 109 

These gave a glowing description of the proposed 
enterprise, assuring the people of its entire feasibility 
and exhorting every one to abandon all thoughts 
of departure, apply themselves to their vocations and 
rejoice, for the city was saved. 

Never had a quicker or greater change occurred in 
the temper of any people. From utter despair, it rose 
to a frenzy of jubilation. By common impulse, all 
care was forgotten. Parades and torchlight proces- 
sions were inaugurated — the people joining sponta- 
neously in anything suggested — , the mad revel keep- 
ing up day and night. 

Mr. Youngshoe was hailed as the savior of the 
city and adulation accorded him in every conceivable 
way. He was feted, champagned and banquetted, 
mass-meetings were held, speeches made, and his vir- 
tues and fine qualities lauded to high heaven. The 
people escorted him wherever he went, spreading 
valuable carpets and draperies in his path and, upon 
occasion, even carrying him on their shoulders; he was 
worshipped almost like a god. 

Some days later another conference was held; this 
time not in the mayor's office, but in the sumptuously 
appointed offices of the newly organized company. 

The president, Mr. Youngshoe, wished to confer 
with the mayor anent the definite terms which the 
company would submit to the city council, and prob- 
ably also to the public, at a special election, for ap- 
proval. 

After reading and familiarizing himself with all 
the facts and figures of the different documents to be 



1 10 Dead Men's Shoes 

submitted, the mayor sat for a long time in silence — 
thinking — considering — cogitating. 

Finally, looking straight at Mr. Youngshoe, he 
said: "Your rate of charges and demands seem to be 
based upon the simple fact that you have every inhab- 
itant — every man, woman and child — ^in this city 
literally by the throat. 

"Your estimate for the building and installation of 
the pipe-line, machinery and equipment, while high, 
may pass. But the valuation of the oxygen banks — 
what do you base that upon?" 

Mr. Youngshoe answered: "Permit me to call your 
attention to a trifling matter which you evidently have 
overlooked, Mr. Mayor. 

"The simple fact that without my banks of oxygen 
your city with its numerous valuable corner lots, beau- 
tiful streets and magnificent public and private build- 
ings; street-car, telephone, gas, water and sewage 
systems; factories and business houses; your splendid 
harbor — all is worthless. It hasn't even the value of 
junk, for you cannot remove it. 

"Now then! is it unreasonable to premise that my 
oxygen banks are worth as much as the total valuation 
of the city? 

"I think not. For, firstly: an equally good site, 
with harbor facility, cannot be found. 

"Secondly: if it could be found, the ground value 
would immediately soar; and your people, after sus- 
taining a total loss here, would find themselves unable 
to buy and build, certainly not in the substantial way 
that this city is constructed. 



Putting a Meter on Your Windpipe 111 

"And, thirdly: think of the annoyance, delay and 
consequent loss of business; whereas here everything 
would go right on, smoothly. 

''And the company is not asking the people to pay 
this sum. It is merely requesting to be guaranteed 
a fair rate of interest upon this valuation so long as 
it delivers the goods. 

''Nothing extravagant at all, Mr. Mayor; the 
proposition is very fair and reasonable." 

"But, Mr. Youngshoe," rejoined the mayor, "you 
seem to have forgotten that there is an equitable side 
to this matter. 

"I do not deny that you are entitled to reward and 
great compensation for your service to this commu- 
nity. But why make the franchise perpetual? 

"You say: 'That is for our protection, as well' — 
so the company cannot sell out to other communities, 
that may be similarly situated. 

"You know, as well as I do, Mr. Youngshoe, that 
these oxygen banks were formed by the oxygen that 
was withdrawn from a large area in the desert country. 
And the probability is that the very oxygen from the 
atmosphere of Impuesto will go to enrich these banks, 
at the order of The Creator, who has not delegated 
to any one the right to charge toll or tribute for the 
use of it. 

"You refuse to sell at any reasonable figure. And, 
when I suggest going into court to condemn your 
property as a public utility, you protest that you have 
acquired it according to the laws of society and that 
we have no right to confiscate and rob you of part of 



1 12 Dead Men's Shoes 

its value — which you insist is the full, total valuation 
of the city. 

^'But I speak to you now as man to man. You made 
this discovery when we were all condemned to an utter 
loss. You proffered the remedy; but — remember — 
you did not make the remedy. It was placed there by 
The Creator, and sooner or later some one would 
have discovered and found the means of utilizing it. 
Therefore we are indebted to you, not as to God who 
owns that element in perpetuity, but as to a fellow- 
man who has rendered great service. 

"You wish to pass this monopoly on to your chil- 
dren and children's children. But your children did 
not render this service. We are indebted to you — 
but not to your children. We will pay you toll, so long 
as you live — but not forever. For death cancels all 
your rights — all your contracts — and all your agree- 
ments." 

And then I woke up. I arose, put my head out of 
the window and gazing up at the stars I drew a long, 
deep breath, while sighing: "Thank God, there is at 
least one thing they cannot tax us for. Oh! if brr- 



OLD MAN NOAH'S 
"SHOES" 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrrr-rrr-r-r For months the archaeologists ex- 
plored and excavated the ground in the neighborhood, 
finding many fragments, some that proved of no his- 
torical value, but many were pieced together and 
aided greatly in elucidating and giving a fairly clear 
conception of the state of society, its customs and laws, 
in that primeval period. Of course, the most interest- 
ing finds made are the two large tablets. 

The one found intact is a most curiously embel- 
lished monument, and proves conclusively that old 
man Noah was a person who believed in "safety first" 
and did not carelessly leave anything to chance. Pos- 
sibly, his nautical experience had had a tendency to 
still more develop and strengthen this idiosyncrasy of 
his character. For although he was the head of the 
family that emerged from the ark and it was a self- 
evident fact that all mankind, with the exception of 
themselves, had perished, he, nevertheless, laboriously 
inscribed and erected this large monolith. 

The inscription itself, in common with those of the 
other tablets, while couched in primitive phraseology, 
is yet of such fundamental clearness, brevity and 
simplicity — coupled with the happy faculty of cover- 
ing everything in sight — that it may well be emulated 
by our contemporary disciples of Blackstone. 



1 14 Dead Men's Shoes 

To give a free translation: It announces to all be- 
ings under the heavens — whether on land, or water, 
or in the water — that the subscriber. Father Noah, is 
the rightful and only owner of everything on earth, of 
whatsoever nature, upon which the sun gives light by 
day and the moon and stars by night. 

To have and to hold, and to bequeath to whosoever 
he chooses ; and to remain in that chosen line of descent 
until the end of time — so long as the sun, moon and 
stars give and reflect light upon the earth. 

Underneath appears the name of Father Noah, 
witnessed by his three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. 

A footnote manifests that all the male animals — 
that had been in the ark, and representing every specie 
— had been led before it; all being silent, except a 
chattering monkey and the lion, which roared most 
vociferously. 

The time is given as being two years after the exit 
from the ark. 

Evidently, Father Noah occupied himself as a hus- 
bandman on the slopes of these mountains. And this 
little plateau must have been near, if not the actual 
place, where the ark stranded; for the locality had been 
hallowed through some momentous event and there- 
fore dignified to be the archive of society of that era. 

The second large tablet, while unfortunately split 
in two parts — undoubtedly by the immense boulder 
which had been deposited upon it through some earth- 
quake or cataclysm — ^is, nevertheless, in fairly good 
state of preservation; and the celebrated Archaeolo- 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 1 1 5 

gist, Professor Altenschrift, assured me there was not 
the slightest trouble in deciphering the full text. 

Ladies and gentlemen! This split tablet is, un- 
questionably, the most important and far reaching 
prehistoric find that has ever been made in the world's 
history. Its consequences may extend to and affect 
the lives and well-being of this very audience, as well 
as that of every man, woman and child living on the 
earth today. 

The inscription of this tablet, duly signed, wit- 
nessed and recorded, according to the customary for- 
malities of that day, is nothing more or less than the 
last will and testament of Father Noah. Giving and 
bequeathing unto his beloved first-born son Shem and 
his descendants, in a direct lineal line, to have and to 
hold forever or so long as men live and draw breath, 
everything that Noah possessed, without any excep- 
tion or reservation, whatsoever. 

That Japheth and his descendants should have the 
right to use any part or territory agreeable, in consid- 
eration of annual payments of rental of one-tenth of 
everything produced; but the title and ownership 
should always vest and remain in Shem and his de- 
scendants. 

That Ham and his descendants should never be 
given access to the land or resources under any con- 
sideration, but should ever remain the servitors of the 
two brothers and their descendants and depend upon 
their good will for their living. And this should also 
apply to any other children that Noah may have. 



116 Dead Men's Shoes 

It is most significant how the early bible history- 
bears out the truth and obvious legality of these tab- 
lets. In Genesis, ninth chapter — twenty-fifth, twenty- 
sixth and twenty-seventh verses — we read: "And he 
said, Cursed be Canaan : A servant of servants shall he 
be unto his brethren. 

''And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; 
And Canaan shall be his servant. 

"God shall enlarge Japheth and he shall dwell in 
the tents of Shem; And Canaan shall be his servant." 

As we all know, Canaan was the son of Ham. 
And while it is apparent that love and hate had their 
innings in the making of this will — just as they have 
played their role in the framing of every will since — 
Noah was, obviously, not guided wholly by enmity, 
but rather by a desire to preserve and strengthen the 
patriarchal form of organization, and the wish to hold 
this nucleus of humanity together as one large family 
with natural subdivisions, duties and privileges, ac- 
cording to caste. 

This, also, was the motive when they began to 
build the city and tower of Babel. 

The descendants of Shem were growing prosperous 
and wealthy, hence they wished to build a capital city, 
with warehouses, storerooms and a large, high tower, 
from which place they intended to dominate the earth. 

The fragmentary tablets tell us that even previous- 
ly to the beginning of this construction there had been 
a great deal of friction. More and more the descen- 
dants of Shem gave themselves up to idleness and 
pleasure, leaving not only the actual production but 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 117 

all enterprise and all planning of new undertakings 
in the hands of the descendants of Japheth and Ham. 
Explorations and new developments were inaugurated 
by the descendants of Japheth, who impressed the 
descendants of Ham in the performance of the heavier 
tasks and drudgery. 

This was a source of constant irritation. 

The descendants of Ham, while obeying the pa- 
triarchal injunction and rendering service — many do- 
ing so blindly, without thinking or questioning the why 
or wherefore of it — yet, subconsciously, chafed under 
an indefinable sense of injustice which they, them- 
selves, coiild not have explained. 

Some there were of rebellious spirit, as the future 
mighty Nimrod, who, when the yoke and his craving 
for freedom clashed, would sneak off on a hunting 
expedition. 

''Why toil, making bricks and mixing mortar, to 
build palaces for these drones, while I must sleep in a 
hovel, like a dog, and feed upon the scraps and leav- 
ings they choose to throw me? 

"Not I," quoth hunter Nimrod, bold. 
"Is not the balmy air of these old hills better than 
the baking heat of noonday Babel? 

"No hovel here! I make my nidus in the forked 
branches of the sycamore — the eagle's lodge cannot 
compare. 

"Those noisome scraps! The stench is in my 
nostrils. Why think of it? 



118 Dead Men's Shoes 

"Have I not venison, mountain goat, wild fruit, 
honey, and all the birds of paradise? Enough! Yea, 
more than enough to glut a gormand of a patriarch. 

"Ah! These patriarchs — and their brood! But 
hold! I fear not the wildest lion in the desert. Why- 
fear them? 

"Some day I shall return — and face them — demand 
the freedom of my brethren. 

"Lo! These many years they have toiled — ^like 
asses, not knowing that the earth is large and fruitful 
and will yield forth the tenfold substance of their 
labor. 

"Now, let the brood shed their longfiowing silk 
and satin robes. Go forth into the fields and labor — 
with their own hands — like men. And earn their liv- 
ing in the sweat of their fair brows. For such was 
God's command — which old man Noah tried to cir- 
cumvent. 

"We have perverted the first principle of God's 
edict! The curse was meant for all alike — not double 
beads upon my brow, to keep them from my neigh- 
bor's. 

"Which is of greatest worth and strength — God's 
word or Noah's? 

Oh, what fools!" 

And these Japhethites! They do submit and pay 
the tribute year by year. Yet, knowing well that si- 
lence guards an endless stretch of fertile land beyond 
the everlasting hills — on both sides of the water deep 
it still continues. 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 119 

"Why then the toll — one- tenth of all their gain? 
They love it not. And who would force them? 

''Not we. 

*'The Shemites — in flowing purple? 

"Ha-ha-ha! Let every jackass bray, and all the 
serpents smile. 

"They fret, grumble and complain. But still, they 
pay — and yet, they are no fools. 

"Wait! 

"He is gone. 

"An imp just whispered me. 

"It must be so — and yet, I cannot see it clearly. 
But these imps — they know. 

"Should the Japhethites rebel — refuse to pay the 
tribute — what hinder that we all rebel and break the 
charmed circle? 

"The Hamites — what have they to lose? What 
haven't they to gain? 

"The Japhethites have some to win and some to 
lose — therefore they hesitate. 

"And yet — some day — who knows? 

"One night I heard the Scribe — that wise old 
man who studies figures, triangles, circles, laws and 
old traditions. 

"He told the headman of the clay-pit — where we 
dug out the bricks — there was a flaw in old-man 
Noah's will. Or was it in the tablet which he did 
first erect? 

"It seems, so anxious was he in making sure of 
getting all, he overreached himself. For this is what 
the wise man said : 'The sun, nor moon, nor stars doth 



120 Dead Men's Shoes 

shine upon this clay, being underground. Nor on the 
iron ore, copper, silver in the vein, or gold where you 
may find it.' " 

By what we can glean from a study of these frag- 
mentary tablets, as well as from the early bible history, 
the thoughtful minds of the different stratas of so- 
ciety were, apparently, busy studying the economic 
problem; but generally only from the viewpoint of 
their own class. They all seem to have instinctively 
realized that matters could not continue along those 
lines — that they were approaching a point where the 
different classes would test out their relative strength. 
The building of the city and tower of Babel was a move 
by the Shemites to solidify and fortify themselves as 
the ruling class. They did not disdain using religion 
as a medium for strengthening their position; their 
intention, or pretension, being to build the tower 
high enough to reach to heaven, thereby impressing 
upon the other classes that they were especially 
favored by The Creator and in direct communication 
with Him. 

Since the Japhethites, because of their economic 
situation, developed by far the greatest number of in- 
telligent persons, they must have been the first — un- 
less, indeed, it was the Shemites themselves — to per- 
ceive the '^presumed" injustice of the will of Noah, 
and also how easily it could be nullified; but, fearing 
that in the readjustment they would lose their privi- 
lege of exploiting the Hamites, they seem to have been 
content to let matters drift. 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 121 

Thus, the movement of inaugurating the new 
system was initiated by the laboring class, grown 
desperate through imposition and oppression; and we 
find Nimrod returning to Babel to lead a revolt against 
the, so-called, parasites. Being hailed as liberator by 
his clansmen, he gave them a taste of a new form of 
oppression by making himself master and king, using 
as foundation for his kingdom the conquered Babel. 

The revolution, once begun, extended to all the 
different localities. The Shemites being ousted, the 
country was divided between the different factions, 
irrespective of caste. 

Genesis, tenth chapter and twenty-fifth verse, 
mentions one 'Teleg: for, in his days, the earth was 
divided." 

Force being in the saddle, powerful leaders arose, 
each one with his group of henchmen — bending the 
common people to their will; making war upon and 
subjugating neighboring communities; dictating and 
ruling according to their own sweet will, until they, 
in turn, were conquered by some more powerful 
chieftain. 

The Shemites, having enjoyed a period of artificial 
prosperity, found themselves, in the hour of adversity, 
unable to hold their own or to successfully cope with 
the new order of things. 

Thus we find Abraham, a direct descendant of 
Shem, a roaming nomad, without a country of his 
own. Where his ancestors had ruled as masters and 
owners, he did not even possess enough ground for a 



122 Dead Men's Shoes 

burial place, but had to condescend to buy it from the 
descendants of those who had robbed him of his 
birthright. 

But the days of barbarism are passed; the days 
when might and force triumphed over right and justice 
have been superseded by an advanced civilization 
whose sense of justice is symbolized by a blind goddess, 
dispensing it without fear, grudge or favor. 

Knowing this, and to the end that truth and 
justice may prevail and the dispossessed again come 
into their own, since this timely discovery has re- 
vealed who they are, a number of wealthy Jewish gen- 
tlemen have organized a syndicate which has gathered 
all the available data bearing upon the case. 

Having perfected their organization and retained 
the cream of the legal talent in such profuse abundance 
that there will be very little left for the opposition — 
and such as there is they will be entirely welcome 
to—, they are now "almost" ready to proceed to give 
battle royal, according to legal lore, in all civilized 
countries of the world. 

Of course, this will cost immensely large sums of 
money, being the biggest lawsuits any one has ever 
engaged in, but all the Jewish wealth in the world — 
and that means a very large percentage of the accu- 
mulated earnings of the different nations — will finance 
it. 

And the prize will be worth all it may cost — to dis- 
possess the present holders of the earth, wheresoever 
and in whatever degree of possession they may be 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 123 

found, and restore it to its rightful heirs, the Jewish 
race, in accordance with the last will and testament of 
Father Noah, properly executed and recorded in con- 
formity with the customs of society of that period. 
Every title, every deed, every grant ever made and 
given by any man or government is null and void, 
since it was based upon and made possible by the overt 
act, force and injustice resorted to by the descendants 
of the two youngest sons of Noah. 

We are often moved to pity and compassion — to 
deplore the miscarriage of justice, and even to a feel- 
ing of resentment, when our attention is called to 
some case where children have been defrauded out of 
a comfortable fortune and not only compelled to earn 
their own living but actually abused and tormented 
by those enjoying the wealth which rightfully belongs 
to their victims. 

But consider this persecuted people, deprived, not 
of paltry fortune, but of the whole earth with all its 
untold wealth of resources, not for a few years or for 
the length of a mere lifetime, but for ages and ages, 
during which time they were being driven from pillar 
to post, starved, beaten and hounded about, as no 
other people ever has been hounded — their tormentors 
feasting and indulging in riotous living and, while the 
helpless dupes looked on, dividing between themselves 
their illgotten spoil. 

Stripped of their heritage, they drifted about, pick- 
ing a living as best they could, until enslaved by a 
faction of their spoilers. 



124 Dead Men's Shoes 

Freeing themselves from the yoke of slavery, they 
had to follow the example of their oppressors and re- 
sort to force in order to regain an insignificant frac- 
tion of the earth — the lost estate, which was rightfully 
theirs by every law of God and man. 

Having learned that right must be protected by 
might, they, in common with the other nations, re- 
sorted to arms for their own protection. Their enjoy- 
ment of any part of the earth was no longer a matter 
of right, but depended upon the fortunes of war. 
And after many vicissitudes, including temporary 
captivity, depriving them for the time being of the 
possession of their little strip of country, they were 
finally ousted altogether — driven forth and scattered 
throughout every land of their lost domain. 

But "truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again." 
This long-suffering, patient people, who, in many 
lands, have been despised as the scum of the earth, 
will no longer be exposed to contempt, ridicule and 
oppression, for theirs is the earth and everything 
therein. From the lowest, they shall be exalted to 
the highest. From being servants, menials and slaves, 
they shall be masters, owners and possessors. 

They shall impose, not tributes and taxes, but 
ground rents, royalties, tenement and leasehold dues. 
Everything that any one possesses in the form of 
money or personal property must be turned over to 
reimburse them for the cost of litigation and, in a 
measure, repay them for the loss of revenue during the 
ages they have been by force deprived of the enjoy- 
ment of the estate of their ancestors. 



Old Man Noah's Shoes 125 

We hear a great deal about labor and its, pretended, 
rights and privileges — how it produces all wealth, and 
therefore is entitled to the enjoyment of all. 

But it is not so; for it did not produce the earth 
or its raw materials. It was already here when labor 
arrived, and belongs to its rightful, legal owners; by 
the sufferance of whom labor exists and is maintainde. 
Labor (and the administration of labor, in conjunction 
with their different governments) has consumed far 
more than it was entitled to during these many ages — 
for, behold! the rightful owners have received noth- 
ing. 

Therefore, the producers, as they call themselves, 
have eaten not only their own share, but also the share 
which should have been paid to the owners; and the 
remainder, which they have not quite succeeded in 
consuming, but still possess in the form of money, 
jewelry, machinery, houses, personal property, or 
improvements of any kind, will be absorbed in the 
attempt to repay the unpaid tenth which has accumu- 
lated during the ages. 

The syndicate does not ignore the possibility of 
failure in the courts, which are largely controlled by 
gentiles, and the consequent necessity of resorting to 
force. With such a contingency in view, the whole 
matter will be laid before ' 'Kaiser Wilhelm," * who as a 
direct descendant of the ''House of David" and the 
recognized champion of the weak and downtrodden, 



♦Written in 1916. 



1 26 Dead Men's Shoes 

will not fail to espouse such a just and humane cause 
and with all the power at his command lead the 
righteous host to victory against the rapacious popu- 
lation of the earth. 

It is unquestionable but this will cause a lot of 
brrr-rrr-rr-r- 



HAPPY DAYS IN THE 
MOON 

INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Brrr-rr-r- Yes, indeed! I have been reincarnated 
many, many different times. 

Owing to my strict ascetic life, during a number of 
the most recent incarnations, it has been given me to 
remember some of these existences quite distinctly. 

But there is one especially, which, so far as my 
knowledge goes, is my first entry among the living. It 
is not of this planet, but previously to any of my earth- 
ly incarnations ; and it is only after due preparation of 
fasting and the subjugation of my mind to a quiescent 
state, bordering almost on coma, that I, at full moon 
and exposed to its magic rays, have a glimpse beyond 
the curtain of oblivion. 

At such times, the moon is to me as an open book 
and I can read the last chapter of human existence 
upon that extinct planet. 

It seems that the transition had been at work for 
ages, gradually cooling and rendering uninhabitable 
all but the very central part, towards which humanity 
crowded, unrelentingly competing with one another 
for the means of sustenance. 

Naturally, the original inhabitants of this section 
resented the invasion, with the exception of a limited 
number, who were the owners of the tillable land^ and. 



128 Dead Men's Shoes 

also, the owners of the cheese mines. These were se- 
cretly rejoicing, because of the greatly enhanced value 
of their possessions, and the fact that labor was now 
at their mercy, outbidding one another in order to ob- 
tain the means of prolonging their miserable lives. 

In this manner things continued, very nicely and 
smoothly, for a long period. Whenever the hordes of 
labor showed signs of rebellion, the mere threat of be- 
ing thrust and driven out into the cold and forbidding 
region would qmeten and make them meek, willing and 
even anxious to continue under the prevalent con- 
ditions. 

The owning class were very prosperous, almost too 
much so, in fact, for the birth rate among them was 
very low; and as time passed, many of the leading fam- 
ilies died out, and all the property concentrated into 
the hands of a few surviving groups. 

This state of affairs is borne in upon me as existing 
at the time of my first incarnation, and there comes 
over me a realization of a feeling of gloom and mental 
depression predominant in the lower classes. The rea- 
son for this feeling was based upon the fear that the 
proprietary class might die out, leaving the hordes of 
working people, who raised large families and whose 
chief decimating disease was starvation, without any 
one to give them employment. 

This would appear to our earthly minds as being a 
splendid solution of the problem, for then the working 
class could seize and administer the resources for their 
own benefit, without having to yield a large share of 



Happy Days in the Moon 129 

the result of their labor to the idle proprietor-class. 
But in order to properly understand this matter we 
must look at it from a moonly point of view. 

It is currently supposed that the moon is composed 
almost exclusively of cheese; but nothing could be 
further from the truth. There is an abundance of 
cheese — it is true — , but it occurs in veins, and must 
be mined in order to be available for consumption. 

Not only that, but after being mined it was the 
rankest kind of poison unless the stamp of approval 
was placed upon it by its legal owner. 

And, while certain kinds of cryptogamias abound- 
ed, the only comestible vegetable suitable for cultiva- 
tion on the tillable land was a large, black bean. 

Now this bean had a peculiarity, somewhat resemb- 
ling that of the Mexican jumping-bean. Should a 
laborer in the field feel hungry and wish to gratify his 
appetite, surreptitiously, out of the abundant harvest, 
before he could convey a spoonful of beans to his 
mouth they would all jump out and, metaphorically, 
decline to enter his cheesbeanchest. 

This was owing to the fact that, according to an- 
cient mythology, all beans had been cursed and could 
not be eaten unless first blessed by the owner, who 
must never permit a drop of sweat to exude from his 
brow. 

Thus we see how it became a most important duty 
for the lower classes to perform all labor; for should 
perspiration, due to honest work, ever rise upon the 
brow of any of the proprietary class, his charm would 



130 Dead Men's Shoes 

be broken, and the beans grown upon his land and 
the cheese coming out of his mine would be unfit for 
food. 

And this explains w^hy the lower classes feared and 
dreaded the possible extinction of the proprietary 
class. It was not a matter of love and good will, but 
merely a question of self-preservation. 

Therefore, when I entered moonly society, as the 
only son of the most prominent family, possessing 
mountain-top vistas of fertile bean fields and numerous 
rich cheese mines, my advent was hailed with joy and 
jubilation by high and low. 

A new, gracious master had arrived, and the glad 
tidings were spread far and wide. Towns and villages 
were decorated with banners, lichens and ferns, while 
the people were given three long holidays and an extra 
allowance of cheese and beans, with the ''kick" ex- 
tracted. 

Oh, those were glorious days! 

When my nurse appeared with me in the open, the 
people would rush forward, fall upon their knees, and 
beg for the privilege of kissing the hem of my swadd- 
ling-clothes, while they all shouted: "Long live our 
master, the new Cheese-Baron." However, there was 
some division on this point, for a great many of them 
wished to call me the new "Bean-Count;" but, I 
learned later, that was thickly veiled sarcasm, be- 
cause of my father's custom of having their beans 
counted, and, due to dishonest stewards, counted 
short. 



Happy Days in the Moon 131 

As a boy, I mingled freely with the different classes, 
even with the lowest, beloved by all — for wasn't I 
their master? 

I say ''different classes," advisedly, for many had 
worked their way up and occupied positions of re- 
sponsibility and had charge of the planning and trans- 
action of business, while serving as an intermediary 
between the masters and the producing class. 

It is strange how, even as a child, my superior in- 
telligence was recognized — how I was deferred to and 
begged for advice upon many subjects, by people of 
mature age and vastly more actual experience; for 
I, at the time, had none. But it serves to illustrate 
that blood counts, and that, when your William 
Shakespeare asked: ''What's in a name," he did not 
know what he was talking about. 

Quickly the happy, innocent years of childhood 
slipped by and I found myself a young man — I may 
say, "a Prince Fortunato;" for, with my fortune and 
secure position in the select society of the moon, I 
could, without any exception, have my choice of the 
fairest of the moonstruck maidens. 

Lingeringly I fluttered from fungus to fungus, 
sipping the saccharine dew, while the magic spell of 
spring was upon me, in the shady dells of the moon. 

My heart was lost between the fairest of moon- 
beams, the green-haired, purple-eyed Lunita, and the 
elfishly dancing queen of the Crescent mossfields. 



132 Dead Men's Shoes 

Joyously we strolled upon the sand of time, 
Where mortal feet nevermore shall walk; 

When sweetest dreams of silv'ry wedding-bell's 
chime 
Were cruelly spoiled with plain business talk. 

"I have a match arranged for you with the only 
daughter of the noble House of Moonshine. She will 
be exceedingly wealthy, for her father controls the 
monopoly of manufacturing and preparing the 'Sky 
Blue Brand' of evaporated cheese and compressed 
beans. You have my blessings, my boy; we shall soon 
be in the dog-days, and you are a lucky one." 

With memories of hours we spent 

Upon that moonly beach. 
My true love's plea, at all events. 

In pain did I beseech. 

Quoth he: "Upon my honor bright, 
Love's game you fain may play; 

Secure but legal issue's right: 
Wild oats? Just seed away." 

Having, up to this time, lived a chivalric life of 
dreams and romance, marrying into the Moonshine 
family seems to have thoroughly disillusioned me. 

Shortly after the event, which was celebrated with 
much pomp and eclat, it dawned upon me that while 
marriage may be the pinnacle of love's desiderata it is 
too stale and somnolent on the one hand, and too 
chafingly confining on the other, for a person of dash 
and spirit. 



Happy Days in the Moon 133 

From this time on, I made it my motto: to take 
what I wanted while the taking was good; and many 
a gallant adventure served as spice for these happy 
days. 

My wife soon took the cue, and being by nature 
and education, like myself, very liberal and broad- 
minded, in place of disagreeable unpleasantness, which 
is generally engendered because of plebian jealousy, 
she plunged boldly into the social whirl and very soon 
was racing me for the best time. 

Of course, our home life was all it should be and, 
because of our liberal views, very decorous, and, 
therefore, dull. 

But come with me into the sylvan glens, where the 
gilded youths and the most beautiful maidens were 
my companions and where the lunar nectar and spark- 
ling ambrosia flowed freely, and you would see Such 
dances, sport and pleasure as would make those of 
earth seem tame and insipid. 

As the memory of my soul drifts back through the 
eons of time, I gauge the chasm of difference in eco- 
nomic situation between the cheap aristocracy of the 
earth and the nobly conditioned proprietary class of 
primordial moon. 

As the gods and sons of gods of our various mythol- 
ogies, whose privilege it was to visit the daughters of 
men, were we; for behold, all the beautiful daughters 
of the inferior classes held it the greatest honor to 
bask in our smiles. 



1 34 Dead Men's Shoes 

Once — only once, did a foolish father object and 
show resentment, but condign retribution swiftly over- 
took him. I think he must have been insane, or at 
least temporarily out of his mind, for he tried to as- 
sassinate me, growling, the while, that I hadn't treated 
his daughter fairly. 

But I escaped him; and the highly incensed popu- 
lace fell upon and torturing him slowly, not only made 
him acknowledge himself in the wrong but begged me 
to also take his other daughter, if I would only settle 
upon the two '^regular rations of beans and cheese." 
But, if he meant it as a peace offering, it was too late; 
for the enraged people swore to make him an example, 
and finally, tiring of tormenting, gave him some of the 
unapproved cheese to eat, which quickly put him out 
of his misery. 

"What," spoke a young woman of the mob, "is the 
harm in it? 

"His Grace has several children in this neighbor- 
hood — are they not healthy and strong, or better taken 
care of than our own children? And do not the 
mothers receive their rations regularly, while we have 
to work for ours? 

"Think of the pleasures and good times those girls 
have had. 

"While we had to work in the fields, dressed in our 
coarse, homespun, beanstalk-fiber dresses, they were 
seeing the world, dressed in the tdtra fashionable, iri- 
descent cobweb-silk, gathered and prepared at enor- 
mous expense. 



tiappy Days in the Moon 135 

"Pshaw! This man made me weary. 

*'I would have given my soul to be able to charm 
*His Grace' or any of these handsome, sweatless gen- 
tlemen, who have such an abundant superfluity of 
this moon's goods. 

"There goes my sister with our ration of cheese 
— ^laboring and drudging from early morn' till night to 
earn it, and, married or single, nothing better in view 
so long as we live, perhaps worse if we have bad luck. 

"Just tempt us to spend the season at the fashion- 
able watering-place — with servants to wait upon us; 
delicious mushrooms, snails, froglegs and maggot-pie 
to eat — and all those wonderful dishes that their ma- 
gician chef turns out; canoeing on the great tidal 
canal; strolls along its fern-clad banks, in the best of 
society — I tell you, it's a dream. Just tempt us to 
shed our coarse garments, to don a soft, beautiful gown 
that it has taken a dozen people a year to gather ma- 
terial for — and the beautiful silver rings and bracelets 
— and the beautiful sparkling gems — you know where 
they get them? 

"Last year the master sent one hundred men out 
into the forbidden land to gather them — only half of 
the men returned, with a few gems, the others per- 
ished. You see what they cost? 

"A girl would be a lunatical fool to miss such a 
chance of soft living because of the neighbors' hide- 
bound narrow-mindedness. 

"I bet you, it's nothing but jealousy — jealousy! 
that's what it is." 



136 Dead Men's Shoes 

What this young woman said impressed itself upon 
my memory very deeply, because it showed the under- 
lying aspiration among the women of her class. 

Being effectively excluded from all legitimate op- 
portunities of gratifying their natural craving for the 
beautiful, and having this craving augmented by ob- 
serving the dainty elegance of the haughty ladies of 
our set, it became their abiding ambition to escape the 
narrow confines of their own class. 

With this in view, they lent a willing ear and by 
every means facilitated our advances; and the fact that 
some members of our class had formed mesalliances 
and married beneath their station, served to delude 
them with false hopes and give an air of apparent 
respectability to the initial stages of the procedure. 

I do not mean to insinuate that they, as a class, 
were devoid of virtue, or lacking in the knowledge or 
sense of right and wrong-doing. Far from it. On the 
contrary, many surrounded themselves with an air of 
high-minded simplicity, through which it required the 
greatest ingenuity to penetrate. But these were mostly 
the plain or uninteresting ones, whom we willingly left 
to become old maids or to marry the men of their own 
class. 

With the pretty ones, who had character, the game 
became very interesting — really, what one may term 
royal sport. And to many of these it became necessary 
to make the most solemn promises — for with some 
nothing would avail but the assurance, upon my honor, 
to sue for divorce and give them the protection of 



Happy Days in the Moon 137 

marriage as soon as convenient. But in remote dis- 
tricts I passed as being single, which greatly simplified 
matters. 

Oh, those were glorious days! But, alas, even I 
found my "Waterloo." 

It happened during an autumnal festivity of propi- 
tiation to the evil "genie" of the earth, who sometimes, 
when angry, came between us and our master, the 
god of the sun. 

She was the daughter of a priest of the temple of 
the sun, just budding into glorious womanhood; her 
divine beauty being of such unparallelled type that it 
seemed almost unmoonly. 

The moment our eyes met I knew, instinctively, 
that I had found my true affinity — and all that had 
gone before was only the sport of an idle mind. 

But here I encountered a new obstacle. Her char- 
acter and intelligence was of such high order that, 
knowing me to be married, she would not give me the 
slightest encouragement. Still worse, she avoided me 
— promises and proposals of what I would do were of 
no avail — she would not even listen to my pleadings. 

But this did not serve to discourage me; quite the 
contrary. I no longer had any peace — I could not 
eat, drink or sleep — my whole life was centered upon 
the one ambition — to possess her — to make her mine, 
at any cost. 

Hitherto, I had lived only for pleasure — to gratify 
my own whims and fancies. As if by magic, all this 
was changed. Something had come into my life which 



138 Dead Men's Shoes 

seemed to lift me out of myself — to exalt and ennoble 
me, in spite of myself; for all that I formerly esteemed 
as pleasure was held trivial and of no value — I almost 
regretted it, and deplored that I hadn't met this divine 
being before. 

How different my life might have been. But I 
would not waste the time in vain regrets; I would 
sacrifice everything to win her. 

Already, I was feeling her influence for the better 
— she was subconsciously drawing me to her own high 
moral and intellectual plane. 

Would she thrust me back into the darkness — my 
soul back, into the meshes of its own folly? 

No, she couldn't! She was as good as she was 
beautiful ,and her woman's soul would have pity and 
compassion. She would appreciate my sacrifice when 
I laid everything at her feet — when I came to her 
humbly, renouncing all and unqualifiedly placing my- 
self into her hands to make or mar. 

And, once married to her, what a heaven on moon 
my life would be. Perhaps we would have children 
— ^little cherubs to share and increase our happiness. 
Oh, but that goddess of grace and beauty! My life 
would be ruined — I could not live — without her. 

I had an early conference with my wife; and, while 
I did not tell my true motive, I represented to her the 
futility and vacuity of our lives. We had no children; 
and perhaps she would like more freedom to work out 
her destiny — perhaps the matrimonial ties interfered 
with some yearning of her heart? Did the welling of 



Happy Days in the Moon 139 

her soul's craving surge up against this, seemingly im- 
passible, barrier, impotently longing for release, and 
yet not wishing to offend the feeling of the mate who 
had always been good and considerate to her? 

If there was anything like this in her inmost heart, 
it would be my most sacred duty — not to say pleasure 
—to give her the release which woiild enable her soul 
to flutter forth from its cramped quarters — to broaden 
and expand — and to soar to heights otherwise un- 
attainable. 

Our property interests could be arranged in private 
— I would settle handsomely on her — , and the plea of 
incompatibility would serve very well to obtain the 
legal decree. 

While she did not evince any desire to obtain a di- 
vorce, she promised to take the matter under consider- 
ation; and there followed some hours of agonizing 
suspense, during which I pondered what steps to take 
in the event of my wife's refusal to entertain a favor- 
able view of the proposal. 

I knew that my wife (as well as I myself) had been 
guilty of numerous indiscretions; and the evidence 
could be gathered; or I could bide my time and procure 
directly conclusive evidence in the future. But not 
wishing to go to such extremes, it was with the greatest 
relief of mind I received my wife's assent. 

The whole matter was very quickly and quietly ar- 
ranged by our lawyers and the divorce granted while 
we were, and ever after continued, upon the best of 
friendly terms; and I will state right [here jthat ,al- 



140 Dead Men's Shoes 

though my wife later married, and divorced, eleven 
different men of high station and attainment, it is evi- 
dent, to my mind, that none of them approached or 
came so near being her ideal as I. 

After obtaining my freedom, it was a full year of 
sotil trying — I may say, probationary — suspense be- 
fore my divine beauty finally consented to marry me. 

In the course of events, three beautiful children 
came to bless our union, making my happiness com- 
plete; while I devoted myself to my family and the care 
and improvement of my properties. 

But as always in human affairs, whether here on 
earth or in the moon, ' 'Father Time" is busy, meddling 
— never content to leave happiness at its zenith. 

What has at one period seemed heaven, the posses- 
sion of which would fill our cup-of-desire to over- 
flowing, pales upon our frail, craving egos. What at 
a distance appeared flawless, familiarity scrutinized — 
not realizing that celestial perfection was not for the 
moon — not realizing that being imperfect myself, al- 
though desiring, I could neither have known nor ap- 
preciated or enjoyed perfection. That perfection, if 
existing at any point in my circumscribed life, would 
have grated upon my sensibility — that the correlating 
conditions are the most happily satisfying. 

Or was the change merely in my perspective? 

Sometimes, she looked very beautiful; then, again, 
I noticed, the bloom was fading from cheeks; her eyes 
did not always have the deep sparkle of yore; her hair, 
after all, was just ordinary. 



Happy Days in the Moon 141 

Or was it of the soul? 

Her approach did not bring the thrill of former 
years; the sound of her voice did not find the same 
vibrating echo. 

Was it all an illusion? 

Was there nothing permanent in these matters? 

Were only the material things permanent? 

But no — I knew, from the history of our moon, 
that even these were slowly changing. 

And while we and everything else were changing 
— since nothing was permanent, and, least of all, hap- 
piness — wasn't it better to humor every longing — to 
yield to every craving — to indulge our every desire — 
to sip the intoxicant while it was there and we able 
to sip? 

I considered the many things I had missed while 
living this quiet life — the field of my former pleasures 
was beckoning to me — , with a little finesse I could 
have them both. 

Little by little, clandestinely, I drifted back to my 
former life, and with its spice and excitement I found 
that, being free to enjoy the homelife whenever I 
chose, the monotony was eliminated and enjoyment 
was mine to the fullest extent. 

I had about come to the conclusion that our indi- 
viduality is the only thing that matters — that we must 
never surrender it, in the slightest degree, for any rea- 
son, or for any one; that when we follow the dictates 
and gratify the cravings of the individual ego to the 
utmost, we are getting our full measure out of life 



142 Dead Men's Shoes 

— when an incident occurred which, unfortunately, 
terminated my moonly career. 

Telling my wife that I would be absent for several 
days to look after some property in a remote section, 
I went to an island in the tidal lagoon, where I met, by 
appointment, the wife of one of my best friends, a 
prominent citizen. 

The husband, becoming suspicious, followed; and 
surprising us, in his ungovernable rage, attacked me, 
swearing he would rid the moon of such a foul monster; 
he held my head underneath the surface of the lagoon 
until my soul left the body. 

In our monastery, clustered high amidst the hills 
of my native land, I sometimes spend hours meditating 
upon the different aspects of my many reincarnations. 
And I WONDER — at the advantageous economic con- 
ditions, perfect for fostering and promoting carnal 
pleasures, which our proprietary class enjoyed during 
my first incarnation. And the question comes to me: 
what, then, should be man's highest aim while living 
— what should he strive to achieve? 

Some say: "Man reaches his highest estate when 
he learns to brrr-rrr-rr-r-r-r- 



OLD SATAN TURNS 
A TRICK 

SEMI INTRUSIVE VOICE. 

Permit me to give an excerpt from an old book that 
may have some bearing upon the subject under dis- 
cussion. 

Last year, it was my good fortune to examine a 
collection of ancient books and documents which had 
just been discovered in the sealed up alcove of a ruin 
that was formerly a private dwelling in the ancient 
city of Alexandria, Egypt. These had evidently been 
smuggled away and hidden during the pillage of the 
magnificent library of Alexandria, in the year 389 
A. D. 

Among these, one volume especially interested me 
greatly. 

This was a mythical tale, describing a race of 
people of a deep-green color — ^their mode of living, 
industries, arts and customs — ^that inhabited the con- 
tinent of Atlantis. 

The second part of the book relates the story of the 
destruction of the continent through the selfish greed 
and rapacity of the property-holding class. The piv- 
otal character in this legend is an old man by the 
name of Guaracha Er Strumpa. 

I shall try to render it, from memory, as nearly- 
correct as possible. 



144 Dead Men's Shoes 

One warm afternoon when Mr. Strumpa had just 
finished enjoying his siesta on the spacious, shady 
portico which fronted towards the Pillars of Hercules, 
his negro Eunuch entered and announced a visitor. 

"And who is this visitor, you vomitable offal? 
Why do you not bring me his name? It shall be your 
privilege to spend a most enjoyable evening on the 
tickling bench." 

"Permit this crawling worm to kiss the smallest of 
your Benevolence's most fragrant toes; spit upon me, 
and I shall esteem it the greatest of boons. But the 
visitor ruled me with his sinister eye — telling me to 
run and announce the approach of 'ajong time friend' 
— even here he comes. May I sink into the dust and 
never again raise my eyes towards the blue sky." 

Mr. Strumpa and the visitor looked at one another, 
long and searchingly. 

No sign of recognition was shown by Mr. Strumpa. 
But the visitor's face screwed up into a thousand little 
sardonic wrinkles, while he said: "Friend Guaracha! 
I have wandered over your broad, fertile meadows; I 
have viewed your woodland and streams; your castle 
is beautiful beyond compare — few are its equal along 
the shores of the inland sea, save those of royalty. You 
have grown prosperous, fat and sleek to such a degree 
that you no longer will recognize old friends. 

"Well, that's the way of the world. 

"Hold your temper ! and tell me how you acquired 
your wealth?" 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 145 

Mr. Strumpa could not utter a word. He only 
stared — stared as if he were seeing the devil. 

"Come ! tell me the truth," urged the visitor. "There 
is nothing we value, down our way, like the truth; 
we have so little of it, ha, ha, ha, — you don't appreciate 
the joke, ha, ha, ha. 

"Truth must pass between us this afternoon, my 
dear Guaracha, and since you will not pass it to me, I 
shall pass it to you. Lies are, all, very well — in truth, 
the finest coinage there is between you, people, in this 
valley of Jemmer — I should know, for I am the coiner, 
ha, ha, ha. You don't "get me," do you ? But I shall 
get you, presently. 

"You try to pass as being respectable among these 
good people of the Jemmer. But the filthy lucre that 
paid for these broad acres — where did you get it — 
how did you make it? 

"Why this silence? Are you ashamed of it? 

"And I was quite proud of you as a partner, ha, 
ha, ha. You did not recognize me as your partner — 
your silent partner? 

"Don't you know, the 'green slave traffic' in Sir- 
nolkroy is more lucrative than ever? 

"But I have younger partners now, who serve me 
well — almost as well as you did for nearly three hun- 
dred years. 

"Oh, you did fine ! I must give you credit for it ; 
and thousands of girls are heading my way because 
pf your able business head, 



146 Dead Men's Shoes 

"Yes, I always did like you; so, please, get ready 
and come with me — ^don't worry — I'll give you a good, 
soft berth. 

"You are not looking so. well as formerly — s. com- 
plete change will do you good. You need a different 
atmosphere — there is too much ozone here for a per- 
son of your age. What your constitution craves is 
sulphur — sulphur will be your making, ha, ha, ha." 

With that he stroked his bushy hair, bringing into 
strong relief two prongs of horns on his forehead. 

Seeing these, Mr. Strumpa turned a deathly, light 
green color, fell upon his knees and began to implore 
for mercy. 

"At least, give me time to put my affairs in order 
and make a will. Dear 'Old Scratch,' he went on, 
pleading, "I must leave my property to someone and it 
will take time to arrange it, for I, really, do not know 
whom to leave it to. You see, I am a bachelor — with 
no children, an — ^d — " 

"Ha, ha, ha," sneered 'Old Scratch,' "no children! 
That's a good one! Why don't you leave the truth 
between us? No children! Why didn't you marry, 
and legitimize some of them ? Come now — tell me the 
truth — why did you not ? That would have taken care 
of the property question." 

"But, most gracious 'Scratch', "whimpered old 
Strumpa, "how could I? It was always business be- 
fore everything else — and business and sentiments 
do not mix, I will admit, I met one or two I might 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 147 

have married, but my customers were always clamor- 
ing — urging me to fill the orders — the demand was so 
great, you know ; and, as I said before, I did not permit 
sentiment to interfere. 

"Besides, how could I ever have trusted anyone? 
You know, the trusting qualities are not developed in 
our line of business ; and so, naturally, it gets into the 
blood to distrust and think the worst of everyone we 
meet. 

"Oh, it's a rotten business!" 

"Rotten?" questioned 'Old Scratch', "Finest busi- 
ness there is — and big money in it — trust me, I know. 
But never mind that now. This is my busy day — so, 
come^ — let us start at once." 

"Oh ! but, most merciful 'Scratch', do not take me 
away from my palace," supplicated old S'trumpa; 
"from this beautiful property — which I love so dearly 
— and all the little conforts I enjoy here. I would miss 
them so much. Please, permit me to take at least a few 
of the most necessary belongings with me. Oh, let 
me take the palace — let me take the palace — and the 
servants ! I feel sure, you have plenty of room for it." 

The horns on "Old Scratch's" head dropped down 
even with his hair and the thousand sardonic wrinkles 
reappeared in his face, while he said: "It is strange 
that although you have associated with me all your life, 
now nearly three hundred years, the human traits — 
the craving for comfort and ease, and the insatiable 
desire for property, through which to secure it, — still 
remains dominant, even to the last breath. 



148 Dead Meat's Shoes 

"Do you know, you are a pretty shrewd old devil ? 
And I love you for it. Just now, you put an idea 
into my head which is, in truth, magnificent, and tickles 
me so I can't keep my face straight — it is a wonder I 
never thought of it before. 

"I am going to make you my chief 'Subscratch.' 

"Here is the idea: 

"If I felt sure the property would be held intact 
by someone who would grind down the people — ^make 
them slave early and late and allow them just enough 
to keep body and soul together until I had time to 
come around for them, while he spent the proceeds in 
our joyshops in Sirnolkroy — it would serve very well. 
But I fear the property may be cut up and subdivided 
among a lot of common people; and that would be the 
worst calamity that might happen. 

"You know: poverty and riches — one extreme or 
the other, and especially one pitted against the other 
— is the finest equipped mill for grinding and preparing 
souls for my kingdom. 

"How big tract of land have you here ?" 

"About fifty thousand acres," replied old Mr. 
Strumpa. 

"Pshaw! we can slide it right onto the ferry and 
handle it in one trip; and there is a fine site for it 
along the bank of the big sulphur stream right in the 
middle of my kingdom." 

"What do you mean? Take my property along? 
Oh, you adorable 'Old Scratch'!" exclaimed Mr. 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 149 

Strumpa, almost overcome with emotion, "I will love 
you and serve you so long as there is a soul to be sul- 
phurized. 

"But I can't understand how the land can be moved 
— of course, it is mine; it has been deeded to me in 
perpetuity and I hold a clear, flawless title — but I 
thought it was a physical impossibility to move it." 

"Rest easy ! I will have billions of little 'Scratches' 
at work, boring themselves in a thousand feet under- 
neath the surface, and if we encounter mineral we 
will go down deep enough to pull it out root and 
branch ; then you will see the whole estate just crawl 
onto the ferry. You may stay right in the palace, and 
you will hardly be aware of the transition; only that, 
when we approach the nether regions, the atmosphere 
will be strongly impregnated with fumes which will eat 
into your carcass and, gradually, transform your pec- 
cable earthly form into a true sulphur saturated 
'ScratchHng'." 

With that, he stepped to the edge of the portico 
and blew a long yellow flame through his left nostril, 
which instantly brought a multitude of his lieutenants 
into his presence, ready to do his bidding. 

They were all very much of a type: having the 
human shape, but being tousy haired, with two short 
prongs of horns, wicked looking eyes, and each one 
moving about in a private halo of sulphureous at- 
mosphere. One, standing a little apart from the others, 
almost suffocated inhaling some pure air when a 



150 Dead Men's Shoes 

strong gust of wind for a moment drove the fumes 
back from his face. 

"Old Scratch" now proceeded, in their own gib- 
berish vernacular, to instruct his lieutenants, after 
which some scattered to direct the work of their count- 
less subordinates; whom they could instantly summon, 
whenever and wherever they chose to do so. 

Others started to run through the palace and the 
adjoining town. At this, Mr. Strumpa became very 
excited and began to imploringly beg "Old Scratch" 
to call them back. "For," he said, "they will alarm 
and put to flight my servants and the inhabitants of the 
town, who may, in their fright, flee far enough tO' leave 
the estate altogether — and what would I then do for 
servants? And if the people leave — if they dt) not 
come with the estate to the new site — -, how shall I 
be able to cultivate the land, harvest the crops, or get 
any good out of it? Everything must harmonize — 
land, and people to work it." 

"Get any good out of it? He, he, he," snickered 
'Old Scratch'," you have much to learn yet. We look 
at these matters from a different viewpoint. If any- 
thing good were to come of it, I would be working 
against my own nature and inclination. 

"Don't you see, my dear Guaracha, working the 
greatest havoc and confusion possible, puts me in high 
feather — then I am in my element. Harmony — I never 
could make anything out of it — I hate the very word. 
No, give me strife^ — pit one against the other — leave 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 151 

everything at odds and in extremities; then we shall 
have results — for the sulphuric regions. 

"Please do not misunderstand me, my dear 
Strumpa: do not think I would not love to take your 
servants and all the people on the estate, for there is 
nothing that would gladden my weazened old heart 
more. 

"But there are certain laws that I cannot trans- 
gress. I cannot take these souls until they come to me, 
when their time is due. 

"Your time is due. And your estate is yours, to do 
with what you please; you paid for it, in full — never 
mind how you obtained the money, the essential thing 
is that you had it. You did not pay for a mere life in- 
terest in it — it is yours forever and a day: so why 
should you not have it and enjoy it? I am merely ac- 
commodating you — doing a little favor, which I am 
always happy to render, whenever the results will be 
in conformity with the policy of my kingdom." 

In despair old Strumpa wandered through the pal- 
ace calHng to his servants, alternatingly imploring and 
cursing them. No one answered — the place seemed 
like a tomb. Out into the town he went, running like 
one demented; not a human being could be seen — ^the 
inhabitants had deserted, abandoning everything. 
Back into the palace he ran, muttering curses and im- 
precations. Soon, he thought, he detected a strange 
odor, somewhat similar to the odor he had noticed 
when the "Scratchlings" were assembled, only stronger, 



1 52 Dead Men's Shoes 

but not seeing any of these about, the fear of fire be- 
gan to oppress him. 

Searching for the fire, he rambled from room to 
room, coughing, wheezing and almost suffocating from 
the stifling fumes which with each passing minute 
grew stronger and more penetrating. 

Finally, unable to breathe, he fell gasping to the 
floor and, while frenziedly mumbling the most loath- 
some curses, gradually sank into insensibility. 
* * * * 

Almost a hundred years later, old Mr. Strumpa, 
now thoroughly acclimated in the "fumy regions," 
experienced a change of heart. 

He had seen one parcel of land after another 
brought down and added on to the ever growing 
stretch of new country, completely surrounded by an 
endless bog. Most of these tracts of land held a beau- 
tifully appointed residence, and some had a large num- 
ber of houses in addition, but never more than one oc- 
cupant. 

One night Mr. Strumpa, in traveling about the 
country — for he had acquired the native "Scratch- 
ling's" ability to transport himself from one section to 
another with the greatest rapidity — came to the resi- 
dence of a recent arrival. 

Curious to learn of the present conditions in At- 
lantis, he entered the residence. 

The gentleman had brought several parcels of land ; 
one, containing the beautiful residence ; another, occu- 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 153 

pied by a large manufacturing plant; and a few more, 
smaller plots, with tenements and apartment houses. 

Mr. Strumpa found the manufacturer sitting in his 
library, gazing stolidly, through the window, at the 
distant factory. 

Recognizing him as an old acquaintance, he greeted 
him, saying: "Hello, Mr. Pantuflo! How are you? 
Just arrived, hey? Well, I am glad to see you down 
here among us. Feeling a little down in the mouth, 
eh? Oh, that's natural! But you will soon accustom 
yourself to the climate and conditions down here. It 
gets rather monotonous, I will admit, but we have our 
diversions, occasionally. Next week we are going to 
have an initiation of a large number of hypocrites — 
you know, those who were not honest in their wicked- 
ness, but used the mantle of goodness as a cloak for 
their evil, or wrong, doings. 

"But why are you staring so hard at your old, empty 
factory? By the 'Scratch', what was the idea of bring- 
ing that down here? 

"You know it is useless — as is all the property we 
have here — ; and you had a family — a nice family, 
too." 

"Damn the family!" returned Mr. Pantuflo. "We 
were all at loggerheads — fighting like cats and dogs 
— ^and when 'Old Scratch' came along and showed me 
how I could take the property with me I jumped at the 
chance. 

"It is of no value down here, but at least the old 
wife is not going to have it, nor those lazy, sponging 



154 Dead Men's Shoes 

kids of mine. Let them get out and rustle for a living 
— then, perhaps, they will wish that they had treated 
me with greater appreciation." 

"But wasn't it community property?" asked Mr. 
Strumpa. 

"Well," said Mr. Pantuflo, "some of it was mine 
before marriage, and some was acquired after; but 
in any case, it stood in my name — ^and possession is 
nine points in law — , and so, with the able assistance of 
'Old Scratch', I took it. 

"Now let them whistle for it, ha, ha, ha," laughed 
Mr. Pantuflo, cheering up, of a sudden, and rubbing 
his hands in pure "Scratchanic" satisfaction. 

"But, my dear Pantuflo, isn't it rather difficult to 
make a living, these days, in Atlantis ? 

"I should imagine the land and resources are be- 
ginning to be very limited, to judge from the size of 
our, ever growing, colony." 

"Yes indeed!" chirped Mr. Pantuflo, "That's true; 
and life was beginning to be very interesting up there 
— in fact, I hated to leave. 

"People came to me — young men and women^— 
begging for the chance to make any kind of a living, 
so they could get something to eat; and they will yet 
be eating one another. 

"Oh! I tell you, some of those young 'chickens' 
will be good picking, ha, ha, ha. 

"The continent is growing smaller, year by year; 
but what is left is all the more valuable ; and the rabble, 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 155 

while sometimes violent, are not near as overbearing as 
formerly. They do not prate so much about their pre- 
tended rights, but approach you in a supplicating man- 
ner which is more in conformity with the eternal fitness 
of things. When violence breaks out they can always 
control it, by hiring and equipping the docile group to 
force the rebels into submission." 

"But," questioned Mr. Strumpa, "isn't this all 
wrong? 

"The property is of no use to us, down here; in 
fact, I believe, we would be more carefree and happier 
by not having it here as a perpetual reminder of our 
former existence in Atlantis. 

"And really," he went on, soliloquizing, "I think 
'Old Scratch' is pursuing a very shortsighted policy 
— he is overreaching himself. For, with the land gone, 
the people will also be exterminated. And where is 
he then going to get his harvest of souls ? 

"There should be 'live and let live,' even from a 
'scratchical' point of view. 

"Of course, he is reaping heavy crops these years ; 
but even he will pay for it in the end. For the day is 
surely coming when the ocean will have free play over 
the place where the continent of Atlantis once sup- 
ported millions of people. 

"I am sorry that I started this game — that I put 
the notion into his horny head. 

"But I was always doing something rotten. I 
started rotten and I continued rotten — so, naturally, 
the results are rotten. 



1 56 Dead Men's Shoes 

"I took the property with me because I had no 
heirs ; but why didn't I leave it to the people^ — divide 
it up, among them? 

"Why? Oh! it was the very fear of that Which led 
'Old Scratch' to offer to take it along"; and, in my 
greed and blind ignorance, I fell into his trap — just as 
all these 'boobs' are doing. 

"I wish I could return to Atlantis and warn the 
people — make them see the danger they are running, 
headlong, into. 

"I am going to see 'Old Scratch,' and get his per- 
mission to return." 

And off he went, in search of "Old Scratch." 

He found him, very busy, sticking sulphur coated 
pins into a fat bishop. 

As he approached, "Old Scratch," observing him, 
out of the tail of his eye, greeted him: "Hello, Gua- 
racha, old stiff ! How is the 'Scratchy kingdom' treat- 
ing you ? Are you getting any misery out of it ? 

"I am so busy — it is very regrettable I can spare no 
time for your edification — it is all I can do to take 
these newcomers in hand. But with some, as, for in- 
stance, our friend here, the need is so crying that I have 
to attend to them personally. 

"It's a long time since I saw you ; but you seem to 
be taking on the right tint. 

"Have you ever noticed any sparks in your nos- 
trils? 

"Come here, let me feel of your forehead. 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 157 

"Aha! There are httle buttons appearing — they 
are beginning to sprout. You should stick around 
headquarters a little more. 

"What can I do you for?" 

"Most powerful 'Old Scratch/ said Mr. Strumpa, 
"I have been feeling quite homesick, lately. Old mem- 
ories of my former life have been tantalizing me; 
and I would so love to visit my old haunts in At- 
lantis." 

"Oh, slush!" vociferated "Old Scratch," as he 
jabbed a pin of extra generous dimensions into the fat 
bishop, which made that worthy howl with delight; 
"for a prospective 'Subscratch,' you are, certainly, very 
diplomatic. 

"Come, you know I love the truth — pass the coun- 
terfeit on the outside, but at headquarters, please re- 
member, nothing can pass but the genuine article. 

"Your main trouble is that your damp piece of 
ground has given you 'cold feet.' Long years ago, I 
advised you to stick around headquarters — this is 
where the horns grow. At the rate yours are growing, 
it will be at least three hundred years before you will 
be able to assist at the initiations. 

"Now, let us have the real facts." 

"Well," began Mr. Strumpa, realizing the futility 
of trying to evade the issue, "I have been thinking, 
most gracious 'Scratch,' that it is not fair, or just, to 
transplant the land and property from Atlantis, where 
they really, sadly, need it, and place it down here, where 



1 58 Dead Men's Shoes 

we have no infernal use for it. And feeling, in a 
measure, guilty for initiating the movement, my 
conscience has been torturing me, lately, urging me to 
make an attempt, with your kind permission, to induce 
those people to see things in the true light." 

"Ha, ha, ha, what a brilliant idea," sneered "Old 
Scratch", "just what I thought I read in your eyes the 
moment I saw you. 

"You want to go back and preach against your 
adopted country, you old traitor? 

"Well, you have my blessings — 'go, right, to it.' 
Take the ferry tonight — I will give you a pass. 

"You will make a fine missionary, with your ex- 
perience — and I am a good sport, to let you go — but I 
'bank' on human nature." 

At midtiight old Strumpa appeared in Sirnolkroy; 
wandering through the joyshops and meeting some of 
his old cronies — old men now, who, when he last saw 
them, were only middle aged. Upon greeting these, 
and being introduced to others, they all made wry 
faces at the peculiar atmosphere that surrounded him. 

"And how is Big Stiefel," he asked, "I haven't seen 
him^ — ^isn't he here any more ?" 

"Old Stiefel is dying," he was told, "and is consid- 
ering taking all his property with him. 

"You know, he owns a lot of real estate, some of 
it right here, in the center of the city. 

"This country is 'on its last leg' ; but what can we 
d.Q ? A man has the right to his own property. He in- 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 159 

herited most of it, but acquired several pieces himself ; 
and, of course, there can be no disputing his right to 
dispose of it in any manner he likes. 

"One of my neighbors left his estate to a pet snake. 
I don't think the Snake family will ever die out ; but it 
is better than removing the property to the 'nether re- 
gions' — at least, it maintains a staff of attendants, ad- 
ministering to the snakes. 

''Go up and have a talk with him, Strumpa, perhaps 
you can persuade him to leave it, for the good O'f the 
community." 

When Mr. Strumpa walked into the sick chamber, 
the dying man held up his hand and, in a quivering 
voice, began to entreat: "No, no, not yet — give me a 
little more time, I am still weighing your suggestion." 

Then, recovering himself, and recognizing his visi- 
tor, he shamefacedly said : " 'Old Scratch' was here, 
less than an hour ago, and was very angry because I 
have donated part of my estate for the erection and 
maintenance of a library. And, at the first glance I 
had of you, I thought he had returned to claim me — 
really, the deception entered through my nostrils, even 
before I looked at you." 

"And why, if I may ask," began Mr. Strumpa, "do 
you wish to take any of the property with you ? 

"It will do you no good down there ; and here they 
certainly need it." 

"And why," retorted Mr. Stiefel, "should I not take 
it ? Nearly everyone does, nov^adays ; and riQ one has 



160 Dead Men's Shoes 

any better right to it than I — besides, I think, I have 
been very Hberal in donating one quarter of my fortune 
for a benevolent purpose." 

"But," insisted Mr. Strumpa, "I have spent nearly 
a hundred years in the 'fumy regions,' and I know that 
the property, once removed to that place, will remain 
there idle and of no infernal use either to yourself, 
your fellow souls, or even to the 'Scratchlings'." 

"Well," commented Mr. Stiefel, "that does not 
make a particle of difference. 

"Some of my property has been vacant and idle 
here, and, for years, I have been paying the taxes, 
while getting no earthly use, or good, out of it. 

"But do you think that would have justified me in 
handing it over to someone else — giving it away, for 
nothing ? 

"Why! I would have been an unearthly fool. 

"Down there, I shall not have to pay taxes; and, 
who knows, the time may come when it will be valuable 
— besides, I shall always have the pleasure of pos- 
session. 

"The trustees for the library have, also, been urg- 
ing me to leave the whole fortune, subject to their 
control. 

"Greediness, I call it — I have a good notion to take 
it all, and not leave them anything." 

Mr. Strumpa attempted to convince a number of 
people of the futility of removing their properties from 
Atlantis, but invariably with the self-same result — 



Old Satan Turns a Trick 161 

human greed and covetousness overcoming all other 
considerations. Some would leave part of the estate 
to their children, but always reserving a portion for 
themselves ; just as some of our savage tribes have the 
custom of having their favorite weapons and choicest 
utensils buried with the possessor upon his decease. 

Finally, Mr. Strumpa decided to brrr-rrr-r- brr-r- 



DEMOCRACY COME TRUE 

THE VOICE OF A DREAMER. 

Excuse me for appearing a little previous. But this 
is the year of our Lord 2000 A. D. 

It is Friday, shortly after the noon hour; and I 
have just alighted from the monorail-car, coming from 
my work. 

The week's work is ended, and I have my pay- 
check, my week's earnings, in my pocket. 

I live, just two blocks, down this shady avenue, on 
the *'Northside", in Chicago; where, they tell me, a 
hundred years ago humanity sweltered in congested, 
pigeon-holed, box-like buildings. 

My name is Frank Lucero. I am twenty-three 
years old, machinist by occupation, and am seriously 
considering matrimony; but ''that is another story", 
as an English writer, in the gold-age, expressed it. 

Perhaps I shall tell you of it later. I do not know, 
for I treasure this "pearl" of mine above all, and do 
not like to discuss her even with my nearest. 

As we stroll along, I wish to call your attention to 
the entire absence of anything in the nature of fences 
or hedges. The blocks are quite large; each block 
being one continuous lawn with flowers, shade trees, 
an occasional fruit tree, and fringed with a double 



Democracy Come True 163 

row of well spaced cottages — every alternate cottage 
set well back to form the second row. 

Four blocks form a community center, for co- 
operative service. Here, where the corners of the 
four blocks converge, we find the community service- 
station — ^the co-operative laundry, bakery, barber-shop, 
etc ; the natatorium and gymnasium ; social center for 
dancing and wholesome recreation. Here, too, are the 
headquarters of the caretaker of the grounds, with his 
motor-driven lawn mower. 

And this explains why we no longer have any 
public parks — because the whole city is one vast park 
where the children may romp and play, and yet always 
with their elders close at hand. 

But, here we are ! This is my home — not very pre- 
tentious, nor so very humble. Come right in, as many 
of you as can find room — it is not every day I have the 
honor of entertaining my dead ancestors. 

This is our living room. You will observe it has 
windows on three sides and covers the whole ground- 
plan of the building, with the exception of a tiny 
kitchen and the dining room. The upper story con- 
tains the bedrooms, sleeping porches, bathroom and 
wardrobes. 

Please notice the cases of books — the pick of the 
English literature and some French and German 
authors. 

Do you know that the three languages are gradu- 
ally merging into one, with a liberal sprinkHng of 



164 Dead Men's Shoes 

Spanish and Italian? Father says that in another 
hundred years we shall have a new universal language, 
developed through a natural process of elimination and 
selection. Already, we have progressed so far that 
any one of the three nationals can understand the 
other's speech, without having previously studied one 
another's language. And many English words that a 
hundred years ago were common currency are rapidly 
becoming obsolete. 

Step into our dining room — let me open the wide 
sliding doors for the occasion. 

Aha! Here we have the whole family, assembled 
for the noon-day repast. This is my mother, still a 
young lady, only forty-five; my father, fifty years of 
age and good for at least fifty more — notice the boyish 
look in his eyes. He is foreman of a department in 
our immense shoe manufacturing plant. 

This is my three years' younger sister, who aspires 
to become a full-fledged teacher within the year — ^but 
certain indications seem to foreshadow that she will 
never teach other people's children. (Please don't look 
at her in that "tone of voice", it starts a contest of 
sunshine and shadow on her face.) 

This is the baby of the family — trying hard to be 
a man at seventeen — at present, a university student 
with the aim of entering the executive branch of the 
government and to become, ultimately, if his dreams 
come true, president of the United States. 

Excuse me a moment while I run upstairs. 



Democracy Come True 165 

Brrr-rr-r-r-r-r ( returning) . 

I am sorry that, for psychic reasons, conversation 
with the other members of the family is impossible, so 
I shall not absent myself any more than necessar>\ 

You will observe, as we proceed, that the dominant 
factor in our present-day system is not profit, but serv- 
ice — ^the systematized subdivision of service and co- 
operation — the catering to our needs in abundance and, 
at the same time, the husbanding of our natural re- 
sources and the elimination of waste, in efforts as well 
as in materials. 

Will you sit down and share our repast? 

Oh, I beg your pardon! I forgot that for years 
you have not partaken of earthly food; but, never- 
theless, be with us in spirit. 

You may notice that, as yet, there is very little on 
the table. But just watch mother close; that electric 
scriber in her right hand is the magic wand that shall 
supply all our needs. 

(Yes, mother, that will be just fine, and a small 
dish of ice cream for dessert.) 

Now, as she speaks in the telephone, the phono- 
scope at each end registers a record of the spoken 
order ; then she signs it with the electric scriber, which 
makes it an authenticated phonogram. 

Now she has the order complete and is signing her 
name, and over in the big kitchen of the community 
service-station, a block away, they are reading the ex- 
act duplicate. 



166 Dead Men^s Shoes 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, yes ! In our tiny little kitchen, mother, when- 
ever the spirit moves her, tries to outdo our scientific 
chef. We have our ov^n electric oven, ready for in- 
stant use ; by turning a switch the house may be heated 
to any desired degree, at a small cost, and many little 
contrivances and conveniences that were in an embryo 
state a hundred years ago add to our comfort. 

If you were not present and could judge for your- 
selves, you would not form a very high opinion of us 
when I tell you that we have no such implement as a 
broom in the house. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

No, the only kind I have seen are those they use 
in outbuildings; but grandfather often described old- 
time methods. 

Here comes the luncheon! 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, no! Through the tube, of course. 

Oh, I forgot to call your attention to it. This is 
what has helped to solve the servant problem, and 
taken the place of the old-fashioned delivery system — 
this is where we use some of the materials that you 
expended in killing one another. 

Excuse me, I did not mean to be personal. 

This tube — no, we discarded the pneumatic, this is 
electric — leads to the service-station; and every dwell- 
ing in the city is similarly connected with its respective 
service-station. 



Democracy Come True 167 

From the central tube-station, down in the service 
section, on the other side of the river, larger tubes 
radiate to every service-station in the city. There, 
close at hand, and similarly connected with the central 
tube-station, are the mammoth depots, or magazines, 
for milk, groceries, dry-goods, etc. The distribution 
of the mail is effected through this same system. 

Of course, furniture and other bulky goods are de- 
livered by rail and truck. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

No, people are not carried in the large tubes — no, 
not even operators — the conveyances are dispatched 
from the end of the tube and shot through to their 
destination, at a terrific speed. And although the 
tubes are close to the surface, in order to be readily 
accessible, the majority of people prefer to stay above 
ground so long as possible. We hurry goods, but 
not people. 

Grandpa, once, about two years before he died, told 
mic of having seen, many times, rival milkmen deliver- 
ing milk in the same street, and often to different fam- 
ilies in the very same building. One man walking 
right behind the other — doing double service and, nat- 
urally, making the cost of delivery doubly expensive 
— ^as if one bottle of milk were not as good as another, 
if properly standardized and certified. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

"Semi-business street ?" 



168 Dead Men's Shoes 

Oh, you mean where there would be a small service 
establishment here and there, scattered about, com- 
peting independently one against the other. 

No, we have nothing like that. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Certainly, any one is at liberty to start an inde- 
pendent "business", should he feel so inclined ; but he 
can do far better by co-operating in the existing sys- 
tem, either in production or distribution. In fact, he 
could not invest his time and earnings in such a venture 
and sell at the prevailing prices, without meeting cer- 
tain loss. 

One can buy a great many things at these service- 
stations ; or one may do his shopping in the big maga- 
zines down town, carry away his purchase, or have it 
delivered by tube. There is only a slight difference 
between the down town price and the local, and the 
prices at the various service-stations are alike. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, no ! None of the big magazines belong to any 
"merchant prince", they are all co-operative concerns. 
Each one handles only a certain line of goods and 
there is but one of its kind to serve each city, and they 
are capitalized according to the number of inhabitants 
in the city they serve. 

Father owns stock in several of the magazines. 
When he dies, the shares automatically revert back to 
Uncle Sam, and are immediately sold to the highest 
bidder. 



Democracy Come True 169 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

"Does not anyone attempt to gain control of the 
stock in order to manipulate it?" 

It is hardly possible. 

There is a federal department for each branch of 
industry which exercises supervision, and all the de- 
partments are controlled by The Supreme Economic 
Council. The agricultural, mercantile, industrial and 
railway stocks pay about the same rate of interest ; and 
the shares in local concerns are held, as a rule, by local 
people and are very much scattered. 

Death, moreover, is continually tending to dissem- 
inate the stock into new hands. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

You mean, make a fraudulent transfer of the stock 
to his children. 

Well, no man knows just when he is going to die 
— even when seriously ill, he may recover and live for 
years — and the natural tendency is to cling to what 
we have and enjoy it so long as possible, especially 
when the children are well able to take care of them- 
selves. Should they be under age, there would be no 
need to resort to fraud in order to provide for them; 
for in that case a sufficient allowance for their mainte- 
nance will be paid quarterly out of the proceeds of the 
sale of the estate. 

Furthermore, the stock is registered in his name, 
and his only chance would be to sell it for cash and 
hand them the money. 



170 Dead Men's Shoes 

This would be a rather shady appearing transac- 
tion. Because he would be selling dividend-paying 
shares, while it is common knowledge that only a very 
low rate of interest is obtainable in the bank. Besides, 
the sale would be subject to a heavy stamp-tax, which, 
if he wished to use the money for the purchase of 
other shares, or a house, or to build one, could be re- 
duced to a mere nominal one, by leaving the money 
subject to his order upon the completion of the trans- 
action. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, yes ! I heard of a man once who hoarded his 
money — they say, he would take it out of its hidden 
place, count and recount it, stack it up and gloat over 
it. But when it came his time to die, he waited too 
long to confide in his children, that, when he realized 
all hopes were vain, he was unable to tell them. 

And so they searched everywhere for the hidden 
money they knew he had accumulated, but did not find 
it until the following year, and then, of course, it was 
worthless. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Why, certainly! How could it possibly be other- 
wise, since the money was of the previous year's series ? 

Oh, I beg your pardon! Our friend, over there, 
shaking his skull, drew my attention to the fact that 
you all lived in the gold-age. 

No, we use gold only as a commodity, not as a 
medium of exchange. That we regard as a very bar- 
baric method, susceptible of many abuses. 



Democracy Come True 171 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, yes ! There are still large spots in Asia where 
they swing the gold-cliib against one another. And in 
our trade with those countries — since they crave some 
of our commodities so fervently — we often, when not 
needing any more of their goods, accept gold and 
silver to cover the balance. 

But the very fact that there is such a balance to be 
squared with what you called the "precious metals" is 
prima facie evidence that there was no legitimate need 
for the trade on our part, although there may have 
been urgent necessity on their part. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, we use it for shaving-mugs, door-knobs, chess- 
pieces, etc. 

Our medium of exchange is a paper currency, a 
new series^ — ^of distinct color and bearing the numerals 
of the year — being issued annually. 

The new series for 2001 will be available in a few 
weeks, or, to be precise, after the first of October, at 
all the banks in the country. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

No, we have no privately owned banks. We have 
only one bank for each city or district, and they are 
all links in the chain of the federal banking system. 

If I should tube my week's pay, which I have in 
the fonn of a check, to the service-station and request 
cash, they would immediately transmit this year's cur- 
rency. Should I, on the other hand, tube it to the 



172 Dead Men's Shoes 

down town bank to be deposited to my credit and then, 
after the first of October, draw against my account, 
either direct or through the service-station, I would 
receive next year's currency. 

With the entree of the new year, the last year's 
medium of exchange is void. 

With the absolute security of the banks and our 
modern facilities for depositing and withdrawing, the 
bulk of the medium of exchange is always in circula- 
tion and always available for service. 

There is no private hoarding of money; the whole 
system tends to discourage such a procedure. For, 
with the exception of necessary pocket money, nothing 
could possibly be gained by withdrawing the money 
from the bank until actually needed, and then payments 
are made, as a rule, by check. 

And even if a person hid away his money, he could 
not keep it secret, for it would be necessary to bring 
it forth once every year in order to exchange it for 
bills of the new issue. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

Oh, it is based upon, and redeemable in, the wealth 
of the nation ; and it is receivable for the discharge of 
all debts and the payment of all dues and fees, whether 
private or public, until the end of the year for which 
it has been issued. 

The volume is calculated according to the popula- 
tion of the country — so much per capita. (You know, 
we have a very accurate census method — every man, 



Democracy Come True 17 Z 

woman and child is registered at these service-stations, 
and births, deaths and transfers are recorded.) 

Of course, there is always some currency that re- 
mains unredeemed at the end of the year, and repre- 
sents a net gain to society by being issued through the 
expenditures of the government. 

I read an old book last week, written more than a 
hundred years ago, when the people seemed to be 
greatly agitated about silver coinage, at the rate of 
sixteen to one, paper currency, and kindred subjects. 

The writer, to illustrate the unsuitability of paper 
currency as a medium of exchange — because its value 
would depend upon the stability of the government 
that issued it — quoted as an example, that if a person 
should find a chest filled with Roman paper currency 
and bearing the signature of Julius Caesar, the find 
would be worthless, except for its numismatic value. 

On the other hand, should the chest contain Roman 
gold-coins, they would have the same value that they 
had when Julius Caesar marched at the head of his 
legions. 

It seems so strange how, in the gold-age, people 
permitted the glamour of gold to obscure their vision 
and bias their reasoning. For, truly, at the time, neither 
had any value as a medium of exchange. 

The gold had value as commodity — no more, no 
less. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 



1 74 Dead Men's Shoes 

"Was the finder of the gold-coins ethically entitled 
to keep and profit by his find?" 

As a commodity, he did service by discovering and 
rendering it, again, available for society's use. 

As a medium of exchange — ^if he could have it re- 
coined — it would be a positive detriment to society, 
because he would be taking someone's bread, someone's 
labor, without returning service in kind. 

Therefore, the possession of money — medium of 
exchange — which does not represent service in kind, 
or represents service rendered to dead and gone gen- 
erations, compels someone else to do double service. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 

What's that ? You mean to say, "a large volume of 
money is a blessing and spells prosperity". 

You may as well say that a large size belt on a 
steam-engine is beneficial and develops power. 

It seems to me that the belt should be properly pro- 
portioned to transmit what energy the engine has de- 
veloped into transmissible power — no more, no less — 
and should be maintained in that correct proportion. 

Let us suppose, for example, that, during the gold- 
age, one of your farmer-friends had found that his 
fields of ripe wheat had turned, over night, into gold ; 
not figuratively, but literally and' truly — the golden 
grains of wheat being now solid grains of pure gold. 

Think of it — what good luck ! How he would make 
haste to garner the golden crop, ship it to the mint and 
have it coined. How the neighbors would envy him 



Democracy Come True 175 

his splendid, good fortune. But when they discover 
that their wheat, too, has been transmuted into gold, 
they all rejoice together. 

Shortly after comes the news that all the wheat in 
the country has solidified into gold, ready to be coined. 

What a fortunate nation! 

What a lucky people! 

They can buy the earth — the balance of the world 
is at their mercy. (Were they sane — and the rest of 
the world not equally imbued with the gold-bug fever 
— they would know that they are, on the contrary, at 
the mercy of the other nations.) 

See how values go up, wages climb overnight — one 
must be a fool indeed not to recognize prosperity. 
Property that formerly sold for one thousand "bones" 
now commands a price of ten thousand and above^ — all 
net gain. 

Prosperity ! Money ! 

Every one has it in plenty and to spare. 

And, whereas the crop of wheat would have been 
consumed in the course of a year, the harvest of gold 
remains with them — leaving them permanently upon 
this splendid, higher level — hurrah! hurrah! 

Well, why don't you join in? 

Oh, I am always forgetting that you have lost your 
organs of speech — but you might at least rattle your 
bones. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-r- ? 



1 76 Dead Men's Shoes 

Yes, I understand you. 

You wish to instance countries that were rich in 
natural resources, while the people remained poverty- 
stricken — living miserable lives — for the lack of capi- 
tal to develop the potential wealth. 

But those people, hampered by old customs and 
traditions, were not alive to the problem, nor advanced 
sufficiently to be able to cope with the situation intel- 
ligently, either in regard to the formulation of a serv- 
iceable medium of exchange or in modern practice of 
the mechanical arts, independently and without foreign 
guidance. 

Brrr-rr-rr-r-r ? 

Yes, we still work mines for gold and silver, but 
strictly for the commodity value of the metals. And 
there are places where we are able to work the deposits 
very cheaply and, by means of the electro-chemical 
process, extract the mineral in situ. 

Many prospectors make independent searches for 
new deposits of mineral and either sell their finds or 
organize stock corporations, under the immediate su- 
pervision of the Department of Mines, to develop them. 

Sometimes the government co-operates in the de- 
velopment of promising deposits of coal, oil and min- 
erals; and it is especially willing and ready to assist 
in the boring of long and deep tunnels, for the more 
economical working and draining of partly developed 
groups of mines. 



Democracy Come True \77 

But there is no feverish haste to extract the min- 
erals in order to obtain profit, and when the country's 
needs are filled, try to force yet more on it or go in 
search of foreign markets, as was formerly done for 
the sake of gain. 

Grandfather often described his father's lumber- 
ing operations in the Pacific Northwest. 

He owned big tracts of the finest Douglas fir, cedar, 
hemlock and spruce, but he seems to have been con- 
sumed with an unholy desire to cut it down. 

Grandpa said, when the domestic market was glut- 
ted, they would search the world for opportunities to 
dispose of it in foreign lands; and the keen competi- 
tion was such as to render only the very best part of 
the lumber marketable, leaving one-half of the product 
on the ground to rot. 

And even when times were dull (I did not quite 
understand what he meant, but he explained to me that 
times were dull when all the markets, foreign and do- 
mestic, were well provided with material and no one 
cared to purchase any more) operations were contin- 
ued, although at reduced wages and with smaller 
crews, with a view to hold the markets and sometimes, 
in order to meet financial obligations, even at a loss in 
values and materials. 

Then all would suffer and bemoan their cruel fate 
— owners and workmen alike — and hearken back to 
the time when there was a great scarcity, and, conse- 
quently, demand for labor and material. 



1 78 Dead Men's Shoes 

But should the news arrive of some great holocaust, 
some large city devastated, the prospect would imme- 
diately assume a more promising outlook. 

All this seemed so paradoxical, and my childish 
mind could not grasp how abundance and plenty could 
possibly bring hard times, want and misery. 

Nor could I understand how a disaster in one sec- 
tion of the country could possibly create prosperity in 
another. For I had often heard father say that if some 
extreme misfortune, such as a large conflagration, 
should befall us in any part of the country, society as 
a whole would be the loser. The financial loss would 
be so abnormal that there would be danger of deplet- 
ing the nation's insurance fund to such an extent as to 
necessitate assistance from the Treasury Department, 
or a special tax levy upon the people. Beyond this, 
there would be a heavy temporary drain upon our sur- 
plus of commodities and materials, which would have 
a tendency to disarrange our economic adjustment so 
that, if such disasters occurred frequently, the Su- 
preme Economic Council might feel obliged to lengthen 
the standard workday. 

Knowing this — ^since it had all been explained to 
me so often that I knew it by heart — I could not 
fathom the complex mystery of the gold-age service 
method. And so, I asked grandpa if there was any- 
thing the matter with great-grand-daddy, and whether 
the big trees affected him like the windmills did Don 
Quixote. 



Democracy Come True 179 

Then he laughed at my childish ignorance, and as- 
sured me that his father had been a very clever busi- 
ness man and knew perfectly well what he was about. 

And he explained how great-grand-daddy had in- 
vested many, many gold-coins in the purchase of tim- 
ber land (he did not tell me how he had obtained the 
gold-coins, but I thought to myself, "great-grand- 
daddy must have rendered a lot of service to his fellow 
men to get so much of the medium of exchange"), and 
what concerned him above all was to get his money 
out of it. The quicker he could cut down and market 
the timber, or the best part of it, the quicker would he 
get back, not only the gold-coins invested, but many 
more besides. 

, Then I clapped my little hands and felt a great deal 
of pride that my great-grandfather had been such a 
genius. But suddenly a new idea entered my head, 
and I asked grandpa what great-grand-daddy did with 
his piles of gold when all the timber was gone. 

"Oh," said grandpa, "as the timber dwindled, he 
invested it in real estate and office buildings in Seattle; 
that, he reasoned, would give him a nice monthly 
rent-roll." 

"But, the people," questioned I, "what were they 
going to do when all the timber was cut ? And where 
were they going to get their lumber ? Could they live 
by collecting one another's rent?" 

"Oh," he said, "the people had nothing to do with 
the matter — they were not considered — ^it was none of 



180 Dead Men's Shoes 

their affairs. Father had a habit of saying, 'the people 
be damned', and kept right on sawing wood." 

Brrr-rr-rr-r-r? 

Yes, I understand what you wish to express. 

You are trying to ask : "What do we do when over- 
production and lack of markets bring hard times, want 
and suffering? Don't we, also, when the domestic 
market fails to absorb any more goods, send out people 
to open up and develop new markets in foreign coun- 
tries, in order to dispose of the excess of foodstuffs 
and commodities, so that our producers may be able 
to hold their employment and live?" 

If you had asked me those questions a few years 
ago, I would not have understood what you meant; 
but I have since read some of the old-time literature, 
and, so, I appreciate your point of view. 

And shame as it is to confess the shortcoming, we 
have no markets, as you understood that word. We 
simply co-operate to produce and exchange (not in a 
primitive way by barter, but through our national cur- 
rency, as a properly adjusted medium of exchange) 
sufficiently to fill our needs — no more, no less. 

Yes, I can tell by the way your jawbones sagged 
that you consider it a very dull, profitless business, un- 
worthy the mettle of a Christian gentleman. And still 
you wonder how we adjust matters and guard against 
overproduction. 

So far back as Adam, discerning people have no- 
ticed that the longer a person labors, other things be- 



Democracy Come True 181 

ing equal, the more he produces. Or, in other words, 
the greater the exertion, under any given condition, 
the greater the results. 

This mysterious, hidden law has been recognized 
upon numerous occasions in by-gone ages, and during 
the gold-age it was interpreted in various ways. 

Under our present systematized arrangement of 
society, whose every member must, of necessity, en- 
gage in some useful occupation, we have found that 
normal conditions can be maintained by working four 
hours per day, five days in the week, throughout the 
year. This applies to all adults alike, irrespective of 
occupation, and means that one thousand and forty 
hours per year is the maximum that anyone is per- 
mitted to labor — unless substituting for someone else 
who happens to be temporarily incapacitated and who 
is, by granting the permit of substitution, reduced a 
corresponding number of hours from his allotted one 
thousand and forty. 

However, it is optional with a person if he wishes 
to work less, or, having sufficient income, not at all; 
or work long hours during certain seasons, as do the 
farmers. The mammoth agricultural tractor plant, 
where I am employed, operates six hours per day dur- 
ing certain seasons of the year, in order to permit the 
operatives to get their time in quicker and then take 
their vacation. And many mills and industrial estab- 
lishments, where the work is suitable for such arrange- 
ment, run eight hours per day with two crews, each 
crew working four hours. 



182 Dead Men's Shoes 

No vacation with pay is given anyone, as was done 
in the gold-age — every one must arrange, and pay, for 
his own comfort and pleasure. 

We have discarded everything that savors of being 
gratuitous — everything must be earned. 

The hours of labor cannot be adjusted and regu- 
lated by and for the advantage of any certain branch 
of labor, nor is such regulation subject to the caprice 
of any state legislature. 

Father says that if people continue to demand lux- 
uries and more conveniences in an increasingly greater 
ratio, we shall soon have to lengthen the workday. But 
I do not think it will be necessary, for I believe people 
are gradually adopting and learning to recognize the 
advantages of a saner mode of living. 

In any case, the volume of production and the time 
required to produce it are interdependent, and one must 
be adjusted by the other. 

There is also a distinct relation between the amount 
of luxury demanded and the leisure to enjoy such lux- 
uries, on the one hand, and the time and labor required 
to pay for them, on the other — one acting as a check 
upon the other. 

Of course, there is always a surplus from one sea- 
son to another, over and above what is requisite for 
the strictly legitimate foreign trade, and which is to a 
great extent exchanged for foreign, really superfluous, 
luxuries. But so long as there is not a great continu- 
ous general excess in the major branches of produc- 



Democracy Come True 183 

tlon, season after season, there is no need for any 
further adjustment. 

Therefore, over-production cannot create hard 
times. On the contrary, it would mean that the eco- 
nomic conditions dictate we should exert ourselves less 
to obtain the same results : i. e., the hours of labor al- 
lotted to each adult must be reduced by the Supreme 
Economic Council — or, to be precise, it would be the 
duty of the Supreme Economic Council to recommend 
to Congress such a reduction. 

Reversely, should the domestic demand (which in- 
cludes our exchange for necessary foreign products) 
exceed the supply in the majority of lines of produc- 
tion — should there be an augmenting lessening of the 
surplus, season after season — ^the remedy would be an 
increase in the number of work-hours allotted. 

There is a self -regulating, natural adjustment go- 
ing on continuously between the different branches of 
labor which no one — not even the Supreme Economic 
Council — has any right to interfere with. 

If too many individuals enter any given branch of 
labor, there will, naturally, be an over-production in 
the output of that branch. For the same reason, there 
will be a smaller number of persons to enter some 
other branch, or branches, with a consequent reduction 
in the materials produced. 

The results will, obviously, be a tendency to lower 
prices for the comm.odities produced by the first 
branch ; and, because of the comparative scarcity, bet- 



184 Dead Men's Shoes 

ter prices obtainable for the icommodities produced by 
the second branch. And, observing this, intelligent 
labor adjusts the balance. 

Of course, in this illustration, no allowance has 
been made for the modifying influences of the elements 
or other causes over which man has no control. But 
beyond these, labor and industry are left unhampered 
by any restriction, free to seek their natural level with- 
in such safeguards and regulations as apply uniformly 
throughout the nation. 

And so, we have no labor organizations, no trade 
unions, no strikes, no lockouts, no wild speculation, no 
trusts or combinations to maintain prices. (You see, 
I have read ancient literature, so I am familiar ,with 
the nomenclature.) We are just one gigantic combi- 
nation, each one realizing that we must all co-operate 
and work together for the common good. 

Your slogan seems to have been: "Every man for 
himself and the devil take the hindmost." Ours is: "All 
together — co-operating." 

Brrr-rr-rr-r-r ? 

Yes, indeed! Your observation is correct — so we 
could. 

(I notice your eagerness — ^"what a chance for 
making profits!") 

With this gigantic co-operating organization — 
where everyone does something useful — eliminating 
all waste in the handling of materials, we produce the 
finished article much cheaper, considering the amount 



Democracy Come True 185 

of energy expended, than has ever been done before 
in the world's history. And being in the lead of other 
nations — since we took the initiative in introducing this 
system — we can undersell them all. 

Now, you suggest to double the length of the work- 
day, making it eight hours. And, by so doing, double 
the extraction of minerals from the mines, cut twice 
the present number of feet of lumber, produce more 
foodstuff. Then, after turning the raw materials into 
their respective finished products — since we ourselves 
could not consume any more than at present — send 
representatives into foreign markets to establish busi- 
ness houses. 

We could easily undersell and kill the competition 
of other nations that are not quite so well organized, 
or lack the rich abundance of resources which are at 
present accessible to us. 

Of course, the various nations would pass laws, 
rules and regulations, each one seeking to favor the 
disposal of its own products in the different markets 
of the world. 

This would lead to endless international adjust- 
ments and readjustments, provide a large field for the 
exercise of clever diplomacy, and by the middle of 
next summer we might be engaged in a glorious war. 

What a splendid improvement that would be upon 
our present arrangement. 

Obviously, we could not take in exchange any more 
of their commercial products, since we already ex- 



186 Dead Men's Shoes 

change with them sufficiently to fill our requirements. 
But we could take other valuables, such as works of 
art, antique articles, stones (precious), gold and silver. 
Especially of the last two we could drain the world 
and accumulate a large surplus. 

But we already have sufficient for all the door- 
knobs we need; we do not require any more shaving- 
mugs, thank you, and to make them more massive 
would only call for more strength to hold them (really, 
that is a trifling matter, not worth grumbling about, I 
suppose it could be borne with the rest of it) ; of chess- 
pieces, the present supply would be more than abun- 
dant, since, because of the longer work-day, our leisure 
hours would be sharply curtailed. 

Truly, I do not know what we would do with a 
larger supply of what you termed "the precious 
metals", unless we turned it into baby-rattles and toys 
for the children — but I have not noticed that the chil- 
dren are languishing for the lack of it. 

And the time may come when it would be neces- 
sary to melt it (the supply of "precious metals") down 
again and return it in exchange for more indispensa- 
ble minerals and materials that we had recklessly ex- 
tracted and lavishly squandered. 

My only fear is that they (the foreign nations) may 
prove more intelligent than we had been and not be 
content with the baubles, but demand what must al- 
ways pay in the end — human labor.. They may say: 
"If you want these materials, so necessary for your 



Democracy Come True 187 

sustenance, lend me in return your labor to extract 
them and you shall have a portion." Or, in other 
words, *'make your own resources subservient to ours 
— we can produce everything that you do — you can- 
not produce what only nature endows, and which you 
have, by your extravagance, largely depleted." 

For there are some resources that can never be 
increased, only husbanded; and what we squander to 
exchange for gewgaws, future generations will rue. 

(For along these lines, eventually, the battle must 
be fought. And the only ultimate solution will be the 
practical recognition of the Universal Brotherhood of 
Man and the utilization of all the natural resources of 
the earth along lines, not based upon racial or political 
divisions, but upon a basic community of interest be- 
tween all the children of men — permitting them to 
transplant themselves freely, at will, and with only 
the formality of registration (for while enjoying free- 
dom, we must have order and system so that we may 
continue to enjoy it), from one part of the globe to 
another, where the fundamental division of labor is 
identical.) 

Brrr-rr-rr-r-r ? 

Eh ! "Building a Chinese wall around ourselves !" 
(I see you shaking your skulls.) You think ours a 
very selfish policy and that we consider only our own 
welfare, and not the advancement of other parts of 
the world along competitive lines, 



188 Dead Men's Shoes 

But the other nations have the same recourse — we 
can put our own house in order, they must look to 
their houses. 

Nevertheless, should dire need assail them, should 
failure of crop and famine be their lot, we would be 
the first to go to their assistance; we would go on 
half ration to alleviate the suffering, asking nothing 
in return — although hoping that they bear us in mind, 
should a similar occasion arise here. 

Moreover, we exchange gladly and freely for 
everything we require — no more, no less. We do not 
look to the requirements of other nations — ^that is their 
affair. Nor do we permit exportation for individual 
gain. 

Our foreign trade, export and import, is for the 
benefit of the population as a whole — all export being 
made through the Department of Foreign Trade, 
which adjusts matters so that the exporter receives no 
more than if he had sold in the domestic market. The 
difference goes to the public treasury. 

Articles and commodities that we cannot produce 
are imported duty free. Those imported because of 
their superiority, either in material or workmanship, 
pay a tax proportioned so that the native product may 
not be forced out of the market. 

In a magazine article, written in the fore part of 
the century, during the great war in Europe, the 
writer remarks : "The present prosperity of the country 
presages a fierce trade war when armed hostilities are 



Democracy Come True 189 

over. To this competition from abroad is added the 
internal pressure of a nation no longer large enough to 
provide a market for its own products." 

It set me to search history and cyclopedia, but I 
failed to discover that the nation had at any time been 
retrogressive. On the contrary, if the books "speak" 
truly, we have, since our inception as a nation, con- 
tinuously grown. And then it dawned upon me that 
the writer had "put the cart before the horse" in his 
reasoning as to cause and effect. 

For we have at present a population in excess of 
two hundred million souls; and still we are large 
enough, or small enough, whichever you like, to pro- 
vide all the market we need for what we produce, by 
not producing any more than we need. 

If the writer had followed out his own line of rea- 
soning, he would finally have arrived at a point where 
all the nations were "no longer large enough to pro- 
vide markets for their own products". And I suppose 
he would have advised exporting to the moon, just 
for the benevolent purpose of keeping the poor in em- 
ployment. 

During the same period, in commenting upon the 
revolution in Russia, the American newspapers gloated 
over the opportunities for trade in that country, which 
might "now" be taken from Germany and exploited for 
the benefit of capital and industry in this country. 

As if all what labor desired was a chance to labor 
— and no more. As if the highest aim and function 



1 90 Dead Men's Shoes 

of capital — or the medium of exchange — was to enable 
those who had possession of it to exploit labor and the 
natural resources of one country as against another, for 
individual profit. As if this country needed the in- 
terest-bearing bonds which the Russian peasants would 
have to pay in labor, or as if Russia did not possess all 
the necessary resources in far greater abundance and 
which the native population were perfectly able to de- 
velop and utilize if given an equal chance. 

But the great world war in Europe was the best 
thing that could have happened to humanity at that 
period. It was a blessing in disguise and came like a 
mighty storm after a season of unsettled weather, clear- 
ing the atmosphere and marking the end of warfare, 
let us hope, for all time. 

It virtually terminated the king, czar and kaiser 
business, and the awful conflict brought home to the 
people a full realization of where their profit-seeking 
economic system would lead them. 

It started ostensibly as a dynastic war for the bal- 
ance of power between the reigning groups of royal 
houses — where the ruler spoke of "my fleet, my army, 
my kingdom" — but it soon developed into a struggle 
for democracy, for the right of the common people to 
live and labor for their own welfare. And as the bat- 
tle for mastery raged, the people, in and out of the 
trenches, thought and recognized the fact that it was 
not enough to merely remove the group that had 
tuled by divine right and imposed political enslave- 



Democracy Come True 191 

ment for the advancement of their own selfish ends 
and greed for power, but to change the whole of the 
old system which permitted economic enslavement for 
the selfish end and greed for gold of a hereditary, fav- 
ored class. 

Then, after the war, little by little, went the privi- 
leged classes in this country, and adjustments were 
made gradually all along the line to conform to the 
altered conditions. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ! 

What's that? You thought "those who advocated 
the new system wanted the change made in one day". 

No, that would have been too great a shock — ^that 
would have brought disorder and calamity. You prob- 
ably got that impression by reading some of their lit- 
erature before your death. 

But the advocates of the new system evidently felt 
it was their place to urge it, even to extremes — that 
there would be plenty to preach moderation. And so 
it proved : for the new system was inaugurated with a 
straight inheritance tax of seventy-five per cent on that 
part of a fortune in excess of fifty thousand dollars. . 

Here it stuck for a time and there was grave danger 
of it remaining. But in the meantime, various adjust- 
ments, especially of the old tax system — ^many taxes 
being all but abolished — created an insistent demand 
for a further increase in the tax with a lower line of 
exemption, 



192 Dead Men's Shoes 

Shortly after, a more orderly arrangement of the 
whole official system was introduced, greatly reducing 
the number of elective offices and systematizing the 
candidacy for office; forbidding public soliciting or 
campaigning for office and providing for automatic 
disfranchisement — making the office-holder truly a 
public servant. 

Simultaneously, gold was demonetized and the new 
system of an annual issue of paper currency, to super- 
sede the previous series, instituted. 

This had a quickening influence — because the mon- 
etary medium of the old gold-base-system, cumberous 
and superabundant, had greatly hampered matters by 
being readily hoarded and manipulated, facilitating the 
avoidance of payment of the tax — for people had long 
recognized the injustice of permitting anyone a handi- 
cap. 

And then a great campaign cry arose: "Equal 
rights to all ; special privileges to none — abolish Mead 
men's shoes' in toto'' 

This swept away the last vestige of privilege, mak- 
ing the inheritance tax a straight one hundred per cent. 

Of course, all this happened many years before I 
was born, and there is hardly a man living today pos- 
sessing even the last remnant of a pair of "dead men's 
shoes". 

Radical reconstructive changes have occurred all 
over the country, because of the altered economic con- 



Democracy Come True 193 

ditions, and it is small wonder that you do not recog- 
nize the land you once occupied. 

Chicago is now next to the largest city in the 
country, and yet does not contain more than about 
five hundred thousand inhabitants. 

Brrr-rr-rr-r-r-r-. 

No, not so fast, we are not "speeding, to join you 
in the bone-yard". 

Please remember — I have already told you — our 
total population is over two hundred millions. We are 
simply firm believers in the happy medium. We no 
longer build those excessively large cities, nor have 
we but very few really small towns or villages, with 
the exception of the agricultural hamlets, which I shall 
describe later. 

New York is but slightly smaller than Chicago — 
and there are many cities that closely approach New 
York in size. New York lost its dense population be- 
cause of the lack of the large foreign trade, gambling 
in stocks and securities, hoarding of the medium of 
exchange, and other similar luxuries that were in- 
dulged in during the gold-age. 

We build our cities, of moderate size, at convenient 
points for manufacturing and distribution of the prod- 
ucts; trying, so far as possible, to ehminate the long 
rail-haul of the raw materials. 

Our main chain of manufacturing centers, or cities, 
are situated along the inland waterways, beginning at 
New Orleans and extending in ever-spreading branches 



194 Dead Men's Shoes 

so far as a modern freight carrier can float in the 
waters between that city, New York, and the upper 
reaches of the Missouri. 

Improvements have been made so that the rivers 
are under perfect control, and tribute is exacted in 
every way from the waters, not only of the main rivers 
but of every little tributary. 

The power developed is utilized in the manufactur- 
ing centers and in the agricultural hamlets; and the 
streams, lakes and canals teem with a ceaseless floating 
procession of modern cargo carriers, transporting the 
raw and semi-finished materials from the various 
points of extraction to their respective destinations, for 
further manufacturing and distribution. 

The inland waters are the veins of our main system 
of manufacturing plants — the rail-lines serve as capil- 
laries, for feeding and distributing. The railways are 
not planned so as to feed towards any central point, 
as was formerly the method of centering the traffic 
upon the large cities, especially upon New York, for 
exportation, but to the nearest logical point on water. 
The object being to get the raw material to water, even 
if it be only the uppermost little tributary ; then carry 
it through the streams, locks and canals to the logical 
point for conversion; then, again, transmit the semi- 
finished product further by water, or distribute the 
finished commodities by water and rail. 

New Orleans is now our largest city and has a 
population of about six hundred thousand inhabitants. 



Democracy Come True 195 

This is the chief exporting center, and to which 
goods may he drawn in the most economical manner 
from practically the whole of the main producing area 
of the country. This, too, is the gateway for the in- 
terchange of bulky products and commodities between 
the inland basin and the Pacific Coast States. 

Many large cargo boats wend their way from the 
Lakes or the upper branches of the rivers, down the 
waterways, through the locks and canals, out on the 
"briny", through the Panama Canal — serving the 
whole coast — up the Colorado, the Sacramento and the 
San Joaquin, the Columbia, Puget Sound and on tO' 
Alaska. 

On the Pacific Coast great changes have also taken 
place. 

The timber areas are being conserved by the proper 
provision for systematic cutting and replanting. The 
same is under way in Alaska, where large plantations 
of trees have been set out and are being cared for by 
the Forest Department. 

The great interior valleys of California sustain a 
large population, and are in a high state of cultivation. 
The abundance of water has made these valleys a 
veritable Garden of Allah. 

No water is permitted to escape to the sea without 
paying toll to man. 

In the mountains, water is impounded at suitable 
sites and electricity generated, wherever it is possible 
to do so. When the water reaches the lower altitudes 



196 Dead Men's Shoes 

and has yielded its energy, it is led through canals 
and cement aqueducts and distributed for irrigation. 
Drainage canals have been dug, in places in conjunc- 
tion with large electrically-driven pumping plants, and 
the surplus water extracted and utilized over again. 

The deserts are being developed and made fit for 
man to live in. Large areas, heavily impregnated 
with alkali, are being leached out and planted to 
alkali-resisting forage plants. 

The Columbia River basin in Washington, Oregon 
and Idaho is highly developed and managed in like 
manner. As along the inland waterways, the raw 
materials are brought to water, where, at suitable 
points, are situated the well organized manufacturing 
centers. 

Formerly, I have read, there was a great deal of 
jealousy engendered because some of the products 
of Eastern Washington were shipped the more natural 
down-grade haul to Portland, Oregon, instead of go- 
ing out by way of Seattle, Washington. 

But political divisions no longer govern in the 
slightest degree. No barriers of any kind, to favor 
one section as against another, are tolerated; the 
whole nation is one vast corporation, and everywhere 
the laws that regulate labor and industry are identical. 
And just as does the water, everywhere the trade flows 
along natural lines, the lines of least resistance, the 
most economical. 



Democracy Come True 197 

Up in the Cascade Range are a number of mam- 
moth hydro-electric plants for extracting nitrogen 
from the air, and which is shipped to different parts of 
the country and used as a fertilizer. 

Every stream throughout the mountains of the 
country is being made to pay tribute and furnishes the 
motive powder for the railway system, and, so far as 
feasible, wherever motive power, artificial light and 
heat are required. 

In every way the aim is to utilize the water power 
of the streams which nature has provided us, and 
husband our coal and oil, bearing in mind that our 
descendants in ages to come will require these limited 
deposits as well as we. 

Most of the coal is consumed in water transporta- 
tion, and the oil and its by-products in the arts and for 
self-propelling vehicles and aeronautic conveyances. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ! 

What's that? ' 

"Poor business! 

"Interest on the capital invested! 

"Improving the waterways and depreciating the 
value of the railways ! 

"Developing water power and wiping out the mar- 
ket for coal! 

"Curtailing the field for the employment of labor!" 
Yes, it is very sad that in a way your charges are 
well founded. 



198 Dead Men's Shoes 

But, you see, we have no coal barons, whose in- 
terest must be conserved; nor have we any railway 
magnates, to oppose the development of the waterways 
and guard the welfare of the railways as paramount 
to the better improvement of the country. 

In making these betterments, we do not consider 
the immediate profit or loss. The whole nation is do- 
ing team-work to permanently develop, and improve 
the country for ourselves and our children. To con- 
serve the natural resources we already have, and to 
develop and increase whatever source is responsive to 
that course of treatment. 

We consider the best interests of society as out- 
weighing, by far, the best interest of any single branch 
of industry. And your suggestion that to mine the 
coal would furnish .more employment somehow does 
not appeal to us — I am afraid we are a hopelessly lazy 
crew, for our highest ambition seems to be to provide 
for our needs with as little exertion as possible. 

If we were able, by means of some new invention 
or chemical process, or a combination of the two, to 
extract any mineral from its natural deposit with a 
greatly reduced expenditure of labor, no one would 
grieve because a large number of men would thereby 
be forced out of employment in that branch of indus- 
try. Quite the contrary, we would all rejoice that by 
virtue of the new discovery their labor would be avail- 
able for other lines of activity, and that the Supreme 
Economic Council would take the situation in hand 



Democracy Come True 199 

and still further reduce the length of the necessary 
work-day. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 

Yes, in other parts of the world, too, time has 
wrought great changes. 

Europe, while still subdivided into many compara- 
tively small states, is one vast democracy. 

The best field for the new-born democracy proved 
to be Russia, which changed with great rapidity from 
the old autocratic, land-holding and exploiting regime 
to a well organized, co-operative commonwealth. Its 
immense wealth of resources, practically untouched, 
and its population unspoiled by commercialism, makes 
that country a strong unit in the Brotherhood of Man. 

Western Europe is less fortunately situated. 

The inhabitants of these countries were formerly 
sustained largely by exchanging the products of their 
skill for the foodstuffs and raw materials of other 
countries. 

This is still being done, but along different lines. 

The people of Europe are no longer being ex- 
ploited by any captain of industry or by a hereditary, 
property-holding class, for all the nations have insti- 
tuted the hundred per cent inheritance tax. And all 
production is carried on co-operatively, and the ex- 
change of their manufactured articles for foodstuffs 
and foreign products is done co-ordinately for the 
benefit of all. 



200 Dead Men's Shoes 

The old-time, blind, narrow patriotism that glori- 
fied fatherland just because one happened to be born 
there and looked with prejudice, suspicion and hatred 
upon people of other nationalities has entirely disap- 
peared in all countries. And as a consequence, Euro- 
peans, in increasingly larger numbers, are settling in 
different parts of the world, and are welcomed there. 

They no longer go to distant parts of the globe to 
open up and develop colonies for the benefit of, or to 
provide markets for, any certain country, to pay trib- 
ute to, directly or indirectly. 

For the days of war are past, the days of petty 
national jealousy and strife are gone forever, never 
to return. And the men and women, of whatever na- 
tion, who settle and develop these new countries, do 
so understandingly, intermingling with men and 
women of other nationalities, to improve these waste 
places of the earth for themselves and their children 
as members of the common Brotherhood of Man. 

Thus men and women of all the European nations 
are doing pioneer work in the tropics — in the West 
Indies, in Central and South America — and in Argen- 
tina another co-operative commonwealth is well under 
way. 

The South Sea Islands, Australia and New Zealand 
are inviting millions to come, work and live in lands 
that flow with milk and honey. 

In Africa, too — little clusters here and there^ — the 
white race is doing team-work to develop and make 



Democracy Come True 201 

that vast continent permanently inhabitable to civilized 
man. 

And the only friction and touch of warfare that 
exists today is between the white and the colored races 
— where the advance guard of the white breed, doing 
pioneer work, comes in contact with savage or semi- 
barbaric people. These must adapt themselves to a 
new order of things, as laid down by the superior in- 
telligence of the more advanced race; or accept the 
contest of the survival of the fittest. 

In many of these localities, in different parts of 
the world, the economic and political governments are 
as yet too imperfectly organized to serve the best in- 
terests of society, but in the larger units of the white 
race the people have come into their own — although, 
in most, not so completely as in our own country. 
Nevertheless, there is a feeling of complete assurance 
that wheresoever civilized men live, in large or small 
groups, there is no need to form alliances for protec- 
tion against one another. For the old style of politics 
that sought the advancement of one group at the ex- 
pense of all others has largely been eliminated, and 
the machinery of government is used more for the 
regulation of society's economic affairs, in harmony 
with the spirit of the common brotherhood. And 
where the individual can better his economic condition 
by severing relation with one group to join another, 
there is not only no obstacles placed in his way, but 
every facility is extended him to do so. 



202 Dead Men's Shoes 

This absolute security could never have been at- 
tained under the old system: for I remember reading 
in the history of the great war that at one period a 
prominent Englishman made the significant statement 
that ''no peace to last for all time could possibly be 
expected — if we could arrange for a peace lasting four 
or five generations it would be satisfactory". 

And he was right — he spoke the truth. For under 
a system that permitted the individual to bleed his 
fellow men — to exact, and legally collect, tribute for 
the use of resources which he had in no wise earned 
the right to control — it could not possibly lead to any- 
thing but strife, war and bloodshed. 

He was right. In four or five generations the 
leaders, the exploiters, the captains of industry would 
again force their respective governments into a bloody 
war, in their squabbles about the markets — of course, 
all in order to keep the producers employed. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ? 

"Do we still pay interest on the bonded indebted- 
ness incurred for the war?" 

No, certainly not. Neither here, nor in Europe. 

The inheritance tax took care of that. Upon the 
death of the holder of any of the bonds, society in- 
herited his possessions and destroyed the bonds. This 
was one reason why the system was so early adopted 
in Europe. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 



Democracy Come True 203 

Excuse me a moment, please. Mother says, Cousin 
Jack, in California, is on the telephone. You may 
watch me, but, I warn you, it will do you no good to 
listen, for we shall not speak a word. 

(A few minutes later.) You see, Cousin Jack is 
a deaf-mute, but we were always chums and I know 
the sign language as well as he does. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr? 

Oh, certainly ! I never could understand how you, 
in the gold-age, could possibly enjoy or get any real 
satisfaction out of a telephone conversation, when you 
were unable to see the person you conversed with. To 
me, it would seem like speaking to a stone wall. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 

Yes, our modern telephone is really a tele-kineto- 
graphic phone — while one speaks, every motion, every 
gesture, every look that takes place at the other end 
is depicted just as it occurs. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr? 

Oh, no! No wires. Not for the long distance. 
Yes, the local transmission is by wire. Let me explain. 

Jack, phoning from his abode in Los Angeles, upon 
getting central, requested Chicago. Instantly, wireless 
connection was made with Chicago, when he gave the 
number desired, making the connection complete — the 
conversation then proceeded by wire at the two ends, 
spanning the gap by wireless. 

Jack is a goldsmith by occupation and informed me 
that he had gone to work in Los Angeles to complete 



204 Dead Men's Shoes 

the two hundred and twelve hours which he had re- 
maining of this year's allotment when he left Chicago, 
as shown by his transfer card. 

He is already in love with the climate of the land 
of the orange, and he is certainly looking fine. 

At his request, I gave him a written introduction 
to a family whose society it was my pleasure to enjoy 
during my last visit in Los Angeles. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 

Most assuredly! 

I wrote it with the electric scriber — the same one 
mother used when she signed our lunch order. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 

Oh, yes ! A great many transactions are arranged 
in just this manner, which accounts for our very lim- 
ited mail. In fact, I think, our mail is more in the 
nature of what you called "parcel post", or, possibly, 
"express". 

For instance, if my watch should get out of order, 
I would send it to the factory where it was made, in 
Rockford, Illinois — by tube to the service-station, 
trunk-tube to the central tube-station, thence by aero- 
plane to the Rockford tube-central, to be immediately 
transmitted by tube to the repair department of the 
watch factory. 

The through mail between New York and San 
Francisco, stopping at the principal intermediate points, 
requires from twelve to fifteen hours, depending upon 
weather conditions. 



Democracy Come True 205 

But you just again, called my attention to the word 
"business". 

We very seldom use that word any more. The 
word "business" is almost obsolete — and the word 
"service" has acquired a new meaning. 

From my reading of old-time literature, apart from 
the dictionary definition, I gather that "business" 
meant adeptness in turning the service of others to 
individual profit. "Service", on the contrary, means 
not to take individual gain without rendering indi- 
vidual compensation. 

"Business" stood for profit and loss — "Service" 
stands for equal gains and no loss. 

"Business" stood for exploiter and exploitee — 
"Service" stands for co-operation. 

Please do not misunderstand my motive in explain- 
ing this at such great length. Ft>r, while I take a 
natural pride in our modern system, I am not actuated 
by any desire to "rub it in", but merely to be of service 
in making your visit profitable. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ! 

Did you hear that clarion sound? Let me look 
outside. 

Yes, it is one of my friends,, Mr. Swif third, com- 
ing down in his aeroplane to take me for a soar over 
the country districts. 

Here he is in front of the house — just leave your 
bones wherever convenient (we have no dogs) and 



206 Dead Men's Shoes 

accompany us in spirit, perch on the wings or any- 
where you like. 

Now, as we ascend above the tree-tops and house- 
tops, observe the clean, shaded, well spaced aggrega- 
tion of homes that constitutes our modern city of Chi- 
cago. But for the house-tops, you might think you 
were looking down on the old Lincoln Park — for we 
have extended the park to cover the whole city and 
then built our homes throughout the park. 

Back of us, a short distance, is your old friend. 
Lake Michigan; on our left, in the river district, you 
can see the large, massive buildings which form our 
service section. 

That, I think, bears a more familiar stamp than 
anything you have seen ; but there are no skyscrapers. 

We are firm believers in "moderation in all things". 
And so long as there is a desert waste and long 
stretches of country where desolation reigns, what need 
be there to place the buildings on end? Could there 
ever be anything of such real worth at the center that 
it merits trampling one another underfoot to reach? 

Notice how clear is the atmosphere all over the 
city; no dust, no pall of smoke, not even over the 
service section. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr? 

Why, simply because our motive power is elec- 
tricity. 

That accounts for the absence of smoke, and the 
absence of dust is due to the well kept streets and the 



Democracy Come True 207 

fact that new sections of the city grow block by block 
— or, rather, four blocks at the time with a service- 
station in the center — and all vacant spaces are kept 
in lawn. 

No> Qne would think of building an isolated house, 
where he could not have the conveniences afforded by 
the co-operative service-station, any more than, I im- 
agine, any of you, in youif time, would have cared to, 
live in a house with no sewer connection. 

Our modern co-operative settlement plan affords 
us all the conveniences that you embodied in your hotel 
and large apartment-house arrangement^ — of course, 
with the new improvements added — without depriving 
us af the individual home, with its lawn, flowers gjad 
generous abundance of fresh air. 

Real estate values are very stable and there is 
hardly a chance for speculation^this, I realize, is very 
dispiritmg. 

Of course, I do not mean to say that values are the 
same all over the city, for they are naturally higher 
in the service section. But even in the residence sec- 
tion they differ according to the desirableness of the 
location — whether that desirability consists in physical 
features, as proximity to Lake Michigan, or social, as 
represented by a more intelligent and refined class of 
neighbors. (For this is the only class distinction we 
have, the superiority of natural and developed intel- 
ligence.) 



208 Dead Men's Shoes 

Look out over the country now. In the distance, 
to the south, you see the big canal; one of the con- 
necting links between the lake and the river systems. 
Notice the railway lines, radiating in every direction 
— different lines, but all of the same system. For all 
the railways in the country are under one manage- 
ment ; one corporation, capitalized at the physical value 
of the equipment, and under the immediate directorate 
of the Department of Transportation. 

The management guards the interest of the rail- 
way corporation; the Department of Transportation 
represents and guards the interest of the people, the 
nation, society as a whole. Both work together har- 
moniously for equitable and fair adjustment, for im- 
provement and new construction, for the rendering of 
the best possible service at the least possible cost. 

For, as our economic system is based and the labor 
apportioned, we all know that no advantage can be 
taken — nor should it be given — by any branch of in- 
dustry, without disarranging and necessitating read- 
justments along the whole line in every other branch of 
industry. 

A large proportion of the stock is held by the 
people who are now or were formerly engaged in rail- 
roading in one capacity or another. There is hardly 
a trainman or a track-man of any length of service 
who does not hold some stock. 

And this is the method by which the fruit of the 
labor accomplished, and not needed for immediate use. 



Democracy Come True 209 

may be stored away, at interest, for future use. And 
while thus stored, the owner may rest assured there 
will be no fluctuation in value through manipulation 
of the stock, nor through reckless, ''frenzied-finance" 
management. 

Now, as you look out over the country, you notice 
little clusters of houses, very evenly placed. 

Those are the agricultural hamlets. They corre- 
spond to our settlement arrangement in the cities. 

Nine sections of land are under one management 
— the manager is selected by the stockholders, and is, 
as a rule, a graduate from the agricultural department 
of our state university — and the hamlet is situated 
about the center of the middle section. 

This terrain is all tributary to Rock River — which 
you can now see before you, winding through the 
country to its confluence with the Mississippi — and the 
raw material produced goes to the nearest shipping 
point on that stream. The moment it reaches water, 
it is in the natural channel for conversion into the fin- 
ished product and for shipment to any section of the 
country or any part of the world. 

But let us descend and visit one of these co-opera- 
tive farms. 

See, by steering a little to the right, grazing the 
branches of the trees, we shall alight in the middle of 
the community, right on the big lawn. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 



2 1 Dead Men's Shoes 

No, this is not a summer resoxt, it is just a modern 
faFmi settlement. 

In your time, much was said and written about the 
dreadful isolation of farm-life— its lack of the social 
amenities, its stunting of intellectual develo^pment, and 
the everlasting grind and toil which was the lot of the 
farming men and women of your period— and the 
earnest seeking for some remedy to counteract the 
ever increasing desire of the youths of both sexes to 
leave the agricultural regions with its plodding, toil- 
some occupation for the more tantalizing life in the 
cities. 

We have solved the problem. For the men and 
women who live in these beautiful bungalows have all 
the comforts, all the conveniences and all the facilities 
—including leisure to enjoy them— that we possess in 
the cities. 

Here we have the same improved telephone, which 
enables them to arrange and complete transactions, in- 
stantaneously, in any part of the country. Here we 
find the co-operative community service-station, con- 
nected by tube with every home, giving the country 
people the same modern conveniences, the same facili- 
ties for social intercourse and practically the same 
srrade of entertainments and amusements as are en- 
joyed by the city dwellers. 

The occupants of these bungalows are our modern 
farmers, co-operating to cultivate the nine sections of 
land, with the best obtainable modern agricultural ma- 



Democracy Come True 211 

'chinery and along" the most economical scientific lines. 
Every nine-section group forms an individual cor- 
poration, divided into a certain number of shares, un- 
der the immediate supervisio^n of the Department of 
Agriculture. 

This does not mean that the Department of Agri- 
culture interferes in the management and operation 
of the individual farm settlement. But rather that the 
Agricultural Department is the head of a co-operative 
movement of all the different farm settlements for the 
advancement of such measures, improvements and reg- 
ulations as will promote the welfare of the farming 
industry in harmony with all other branches of in- 
dustry. For, in common with all the other depart- 
ments, the Agricultural Department reports to the Su- 
preme Economic Council. 

The time of labor allotted to each adult is the same 
as in all other industries — one thousand and forty 
hours per annum. 

The manager hires all labor, and as one may labor 
without being a stockholder, so, also, may one be a 
stockholder without being obliged to sell his labor. 
But as in all other industries, the tendency is to in- 
vest the surplus earnings in the corporation that fur- 
iiishies the employment, thereby acquiring a preference, 
and also gaining a voice, proportionate with the in- 
terest held, in the selection of the management. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 



212 Dead Men's Shoes 

What's that? "The individual is only a cog in one 
of the wheels of our economic machine and may be in- 
stantly replaced when broken or worn out, while the 
machine grinds on. There is no chance for the indi- 
vidual to become independent of his fellows." 

That, I think, has been true in all ages, with this 
difference that in former times the strain on the indi- 
vidual cogs was disproportionately unequal — resulting 
in the rapid deterioration and replacement of the use- 
ful cogs, while the others idled along, keeping their 
shape beautifully. The history of man is nothing but 
chapter after chapter of dependence and interdepend- 
ence upon one another. And the suffering, strife and 
disorder which marks human progress from time im- 
memorial are the natural results of abortive attempts 
to, gain independence and undue advantages at the ex- 
pense of one another — the failure to understand that 
human happiness, peace and welfare rests upon intel- 
ligent co-ordination of service to one another. 

In your days, the prevalent notion seemed to be 
that the obtainance of the medium of exchange and the 
acquisition of property and resources, by any means 
whatsoever, even by gift or speculation, constituted 
the essential ingredients of a successful life. 

We count a life successful in the degree that one 
does something which not only benefits himself but in 
a larger measure contributes to the common good — so 
that when death finally intervenes we all feel a dis- 
tinct and personal loss. 



Democracy Come True 213 

One may advance by rendering service of superior 
efficiency and value. One may, also, continue to labor, 
invest and reinvest his earnings and income until he 
acquires all the stock of any one corporation, should 
his ambition lie in that direction. That would, for the 
time being, exclude others from participating in the 
ownership of that particular property, but at death the 
monopoly would be broken up and the stock again 
made accessible to whosoever had earned the means 
to buy it. 

Such buying by a large number of individuals 
would have a tendency, under the competitive mode of 
bidding, to increase the price of the stock, while the 
dividends remained the same^ — giving a larger income 
for governmental expenses, while diminishing the pro- 
portionate rate of interest on the amount invested — 
and would, obviously, be self-regulatory. 

As a general rule, the average couple make up 
their minds as to the amount they wish to accumulate. 

Between the ages of twenty and forty-five, when 
the vitality is at its maximum, our modern men and 
women provide for the future. About the latter age, 
or shortly after, they have reached the philosophical 
stage of their career and begin to consider any further 
accumulation as foolish. And having learned, by that 
time, to enjoy life sensibly, future earnings, in addi- 
tion to the income from their investments, go more 
and more into enjoyments and luxuries. 



214 Dead Men's Shoes 

By this time, too, the children are beginning to 
take care of themselves and everything combines to 
lure them to indulge in a series of second honeymoon 
trips. And from now on to the age of sixty and sixty- 
five is the period when they extract the greatest amount 
of enjoyment and pleasure out of life — when they 
reap the greatest reward for having lived a:nd planned 
wisely. 

After the age of sixty, and especially after sixty- 
five, comes a time of more or less indifference to what 
the World has to offer and when one's greatest long- 
ings are for ease, solid comfort and a quiet life. One 
has seen something of the world, one has fought the 
battle of Hf e^ — this is the evening ; it is well-^^the small 
pension and the income from the preserved surplus 
eamings of one's prime will suffice. 

Of course, there are men whose traits 'of chafacter 
are not amenable to co-operation; who would rather 
be "the first man on the Alps, than the second man in 
Rome" ; who chafe under our organized system, which 
does not give them full liberty for exploitation and 
speculation. These generally go out in remote sec- 
tions, where matters are ndt SO well organized, ^nd be- 
come, in a way, pioneers : and as such render useful 
service, while in turn deriving benefit by having bur 
abundance of commodities to draw upon, at Xrery mod- 
erate prices. 

Some of these, of more adVenturous spirit, go into 
foreign lands, especially to Africa, South America and 
Asia. 



D'emo'cracy Come True 215 

In those parts of the last named continent where 
the gold standard has come into use and where the 
natives are being exploited to the utmost by their 
leaders or, as they call themselves, captains of industry 
(I call them captains of piracy), they enter into good 
soil and find great scope for their talents. There, his- 
tory is repeating itself : building up an economic struc- 
ture upon a false, unnatural foundation, until, eventu- 
ally, it will topple to destruction, as it did here, and 
a new structure, based upon sound principles, will be 
erected. 

And so, even there, they are doing useful work — 
without being cognizant of its real significance — -by 
overdoing matters, and in this manner hastening the 
time when those people, too, shall awaken to a realiza- 
tion of tlieir true interest. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ? 

That's right ! When I wander too far afield, just 
call me back to the subject. 

You mean, ''how does the co-operative farming 
communities market their products?" 

As in all other brandies of industry, we specialize 
^-not, as a rule, on one line, but generally on two or 
three staples; however, without neglecting the by- 
products. 

Truck-farming is carried on, almost exclusively, 
adjacent to the cities. 

During the gold-age, many acres in the vicinity of 
the cities, and even in other localities, were used alto- 



216 Dead Men's Shoes 

gather for floriculture. But that is all changed' — for 
we do not traffic in flowers, any more than we do in 
kisses. 

Flowers we have everywhere, but it would seem 
a profanation to buy and sell them. 

In this district where the products are mostly com, 
cattle, swine and dairy-produce, nearly everything goes 
down the river to mills, slaughter and packing houses, 
butter and cheese factories, which are all operated on 
the same co-operative plan and under the immediate 
supervision of the Department of Manufacture. 

In most localities, and even here, such produce as 
is brought to its finished state on the farm is sold 
direct to the big co-operative magazines in the cities — 
which are all under the immediate control of the De- 
partment of Interchange, or what you would have 
called Department of Commerce. 

Thus the co-operative farming communities dis- 
pose of their produce either direct to the co-operative 
magazines in the cities, which in turn sell to the co-op- 
erative service-stations, in the kitchens of which most 
of the food is prepared, ready to be served. Or it is 
sold to the co-operative mills, canning and packing 
houses, which, after converting the raw materials into 
their respective finished products, dispose of it to the 
co-operative magazines in all parts of the country, or 
ship it to foreign markets through the Department of 
Foreign Trade. 

In any case, cash transactions are the invariable 
rule; and even between individuals, a debt must be 



Democracy Come True 217 

protested within forty-eight hours, or the claim loses 
validity in the event of death — i. e., cannot be paid out 
of the deceased's estate. 

This is where the federal banking system functions 
as a vehicle for the interchange of goods and com- 
modities. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-rr ! 

Oh, you think, because there is no chance to 
corner the market on credit, or to speculate with other 
people's money, by paying a small option or margin, 
the tendency must be to let the farmers hold the food- 
stuff until the pantries are empty. 

But, in practice, it does not work out quite along 
that line. 

For there are many service-magazines all over the 
country, each with a large number of service-stations, 
to be daily provided with the necessaries of life. And 
in order to fill this daily demand they (the service- 
magazines) must carry some stock; and it is impera- 
tively essential for the management of each to provide 
before-hand, or some will suffer by delayed shipments 
and the inability to fill numerous urgent orders. The 
co-operative mills, curing, canning and packing houses, 
the butter and cheese-making establishments must, in 
addition to being prepared to fill the regular orders of 
the service-magazines and provide for the foreign 
markets, carry sufficient stock, or arrange for future 
deliveries, to insure the steady operation of their plants. 



218 Dead Men's Shoes 

And thus we find that the foodstuff is carried fairly 
well apportioned between the different parties inter- 
ested, with perhaps the heaviest part held, awaiting the 
market, by the producer. 

And that is as it should be, for the producers of 
other products and commodities are also the heaviest 
holders of the same — it is the result of their labor 
which they are holding while offering it to the world 
in exchange for other commodities, the results of the 
labor of others, which are similarly held and offered. 

Grandpa often told me of how the farmers "in the 
good old time" — yes, that must have been in your days 
— worked almost day and night in the harvest season, 
sometimes with broken-down machinery and insuffi- 
cient help. Then rushed the product to the market, sell- 
ing it for whatever it would fetch, in order to obtain 
money to pay taxes, the interest on his mortgage and 
to meet obligations which he had incurred because of 
undeftaking an enterprise for which he had too limited 
means, gambling on the outcome. 

And after continuing the struggle for a number of 
years, wearing himself out and getting old in the proc- 
ess, a short crop would generally put him out of "busi- 
ness" to the "profit" of the holder of the mortgage. 

And the crops be bad rushed to the market and 
sold at the lowest price did not reach the consumer at 
that price — that would have been a sin. There was 
another class which must fiot be deprived of the means 
of iearning an "honest" livelihood, by rendering the 



Democracy Come Trite 2,19 

very "wseful" service of gambling on the outcome 
whether or not. the consumer, during any given month, 
wQuld; be obUged to pay a certain price for his victuals. 

Of course, they could not all win— nor could the 
same ones always win — and so, when one lost the gold 
''put up" to back his opinion, he generally rendered 
the world one supreme service by voluntarily joining 
the great majority in the bone-yard. I noticed before 
we left the house that one of you had a hole through 
the skull, and I wondered whether it was a pledge of 
heroism won in the great war, or — but I am getting 
personal, please excuse me. 

Now, if you had brought your bones — and had 
some animated flesh upon them^ — we could have en- 
joyed some refreshment in the service-station. And 
you would have realized that in spite of having more 
than doubled the population of the country since "the 
good old time" there is no longer any cause to worry 
about ''the high cost of living". 

Perhaps you have already observed that while we 
have much leisure there is no enforced idleness. It 
is true that the apportionment per adult of one thou- 
sand and forty hours of labor does not mean that he 
is, thereby provided with that number of hours ol 
labor, for it is incumbent upon him to find the em- 
ployment. But so long as there is no over-production, 
there is employment for every man somewhere; and 
it. is for the individual man to find where that "some- 
where" is. Society, having made the basic conditions 



220 Dead Men's Shoes 

impartially just, must leave to the individual the ar- 
rangement of his private affairs — and it is the indi- 
vidual's private affair to provide for himself and for 
those depending upon him. 

Many a young man shifts about from one industry 
to another, until he finds the one for which he is best 
suited. Should he decide upon farming, for instance, 
and having found the particular place where life 
seems most congenial, he may invest his surplus in the 
stock of that particular co-operative farm, as oppor- 
tunity offers. He need not wait until he has saved up 
a comparatively large sum of money and then calcu- 
late all the contingencies, as you did in your time — 
will there be enough to swing the enterprise; make 
the first payment, buy some second-hand implements 
and machinery, some old horses and ditto furniture; 
will the balance suffice, not to live but to exist upon, 
until his labor brings him returns? 

But those days are past. He may invest his surplus 
as he goes and not be unduly worried about the out- 
come. For the concern is already in full operation un- 
der competent management: and if he has the ability 
to manage, management will be given him by his co- 
workers, in due course of time. Should there be a sur- 
plus of labor in that particular locality, being a stock- 
holder gives him the preference — other things being 
equal, for the manager has a free hand in choosing 
the necessary assistance. And if he wish to change 
his investment to another farm, or another line of in- 
dustry, he may sell his stock — subject to a very nomi- 



Democracy Come True 221 

nal stamp-tax, by leaving the money on deposit until 
the transaction has been completed. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 

Oh, you do. 

You miss the farmer "who was pointed to, with 
pride, in your time as an example of sturdy independ- 
ence, working a small tract of land with the aid of one 
or two men". 

From what I have been able to glean, listening to 
grandpa and through the study of old-time literature, 
there never lived an independent farmer, but his inde- 
pendence had been earned by former generations and 
handed him as a handicap to the detriment of his fel- 
lows, or gained by years of toil, against heavy odds, 
which in most cases unfitted him for the enjoyment of 
the fruit of his labor. And the existence of the former 
made conditions so much more difficult for the latter, 
necessitating endless toil before he was able to attain 
the goal of his ambition. 

What inducement, then, did your "good old-time" 
system hold out to those who performed the actual 
labor, the hired men, to achieve "sturdy independence" ? 

None O'f our modern farmers would wish to ex- 
change our well organized settlement mode of living 
for your old-time, isolated farm life. The young men, 
just beginning life's journey, would certainly not 
change places with the hired men of your period. 
Those who have acquired a competence, have done so 
under congenial conditions; and now, when there is 



232 Dead Men's Shoes 

no longer any necessity for them to labor, should they 
so elect, are better situated than the independent 
farmer of former days. For the fruit of their labor, 
which they have set aside for the future, is stored in 
such a manner that it need cause them no anxiety, but 
leaves them free to enjoy it. 

The only ones who may find cause for dissatisfac- 
tion are those who are still able to trace the line of their 
ancestry back to the possessor of some large tract of 
land which, under the old system: of inheritance, would 
have come into their possession without the necessity 
of having to render any service in return. But such 
a grievance would be wholly imaginary, and is no more 
worthy of consideration than, I imagine, would be the 
plaint of some man in your time barkening back to 
the affluent days of some slave-holding ancestor. 

Now if we had more time, I could show you the 
long lines of stall-fed cows in the well appointed barn. 
The milking is just going on with the latest improved 
apparatus; and about the farm, utilized for different 
purposes, are many labor-saving devices, which would 
excite your wonder and curiosity. But the evening 
shadows will soon be falling ; so come, let us return to 
your bones before the sprites of twilight discover their 
absence from the bone-yard. 

My friend already has the motor hummiing, so take, 
your former seats, on the wings or wherever you 
choose. 



Democracy Come True 223 

Look down and observe how large the fields are. 
Everything is arranged and organized for production 
on a large scale. The small farmer of your days 
would have to work long hours, even longer than he 
did then, if he would compete with our modern, sys- 
tematized farming operations. 

And the same holds good in every line of industry. 

We have simply utilized, and still further devel- 
oped, the methods inaugurated and employed to such 
great selfish advantage by the trusts and monopolies 
of the gold-age. Only, we have completely reversed 
the use of the advantages gained by this methodical 
mode of operation. In place of a few exploiting the 
many for their own gain, the many have eliminated 
the few by co-operation — ^and by removing that monop- 
oly creating class-builder inheritance. And in place of 
one organization fighting another by cut-throat com- 
petition for individual profit, all our organizations 
work harmoniously together, under centralized super- 
vision, for mutual benefit. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 

Oh, you think, since we do not permit a person to 
transmit his estate to his children, "it would be just as 
well to let the government permanently retain owner- 
ship of all resources and utilities, parceling them out 
on lease for just sufficient to defray governmental ex- 
penses". Or, in view of the fact that there are but 
poor opportunities for speculation and large profits, 
"let the government administer and directly operate 



224 Dead Men's Shoes 

all resources and utilities, thus doing away with the 
necessity of earning, and paying, interest on the capi- 
talization of the nation's wealth." 

Any such arrangement would not meet all the re- 
quirements of civilized man. For man in his advanced 
state of civilization craves not only the facilities to 
cater to his immediate wants, but, in order to live con- 
tent, must have some means of gratifying his impulse 
to provide for the future — some method that enables 
him to store away, in a satisfactory manner, the surplus 
fruit of his labor. 

It is true that labor must pay tribute in order to 
maintain the dividend rate on the stock, but in doing 
so it indirectly helps to maintain the government, by 
reimbursing the stockholders for having advanced 
funds for its maintenance. This method also serves 
as an incentive to thrift and the fostering of the indi- 
vidual initiative and resourcefulness, and, since its 
advantages are equally available to all, works hardship 
on no one. 

The immense manufacturing plants of Chicago, 
which are just beginning to be discernible in the dis- 
tance, are largely owned by the men who perform the 
labor in one capacity or another, or have formerly 
done so. 

In the gold-age, I have read with great amuse- 
ment, labor was advised to take care of its earnings, to 
strive for independence, to put something aside "for a 
rainy day" ; and long articles, and even books, were 



Democracy Come True 225 

written, deploring the prevailing tendency of the la- 
boring class to live from ''hand to mouth". 

But, so far as I have been able to learn, nothing 
was done to change the conditions which made it prac- 
tically impossible for the worker to invest his earnings 
in that branch of industry to which he gave his time, 
his thoughts, his ]abor. He was advised to invest in 
a home — to speculate in residence lots, at an inflated 
valuation — and that was virtually the only avenue open 
to him, considering his lack of opportunities to become 
proficient in the financial game and the comparatively 
limited means that came to him as his share of pro- 
duction. 

His forefather, in the days before the advent of 
the trusts and large combinations and the subdivision 
of labor in the production of any given commodity, 
had been the complete master of his craft. It was not 
an altogether hopeless endeavor, should ambition move 
him, to essay an independent undertaking. But in 
your time, with your much-boasted perfect organiza- 
tion of production, you excluded the operator of the 
machinery of production from participating in the 
ownership, by making the conditions precarious. 

You divided society into two camps — one to be 
maintained by labor, the other by capital. But since 
capital is only a tool for the better functioning of la- 
bor — which is continually being mended and renewed 
by labor — how could one class, and all its henchmen, 
possibly, be anything but parasites upon those who 
performed the labor. 



226 Dead Men's Shoes 

True, there were individual capitalists of benev- 
olent inclination who offered special inducements to 
labor to share in the profits and assume responsibility 
in the management. But these were only sporadic at- 
tempts, which labor recognized as being wholly con- 
tingent upon the good will, or caprice, of that particu- 
lar individual, and did not alter the general conditions 
by one iota. 

You built a wall between labor and capital — as if 
capital could possibly, but for the hoarding of an over- 
voluminous medium of exchange^ be apart from labor, 
which is continually producing and reproducing it. 

You preached fair division between labor and capi- 
tal ; and then you set labor to dig more and more of 
the yellow metal from the bowels of the earth, and 
called it capital — making labor divide with these new, 
arbitrarily mobilized, forces of capital. And the more 
of this you made labor stack up, the more powerful be- 
came capital ; the more you were able to juggle results 
and blind labor with its glitter and the more scant be- 
came the necessaries of life which labor could buy 
with its portion. 

And by means of this tool, handed down from gen- 
eration to generation, the members of one class fast- 
ened themselves as parasites upon the others. 

With this superabundance of the medium of ex- 
change you controlled resources and equipments, and 
magnified their value. With this you gambled in food- 
stuffs, commodities and shares in the ownership of 



Democracy Come True 227 

resources and equipments, working the values up and 
down, forming "comers" and "squeezing" one another 
out of his share of the ownership; and then you de- 
plored the unwillingness and "improvidence" of labor 
in not entering the game with its earnings. 

Once, when a child, I asked grandpa why people 
formerly crowded together so much and built such 
enormously large cities — "did they acquire more gold 
by doing so?" 

Then grandpa explained to me how the crowding 
together increased real estate values, until they could 
point with pride to their main business streets, where 
the ground sold for many thousand dollars per front 
foot. How the business men who occupied the prem- 
ises were obliged to pay a heavy monthly rent as in- 
terest upon the valuation, and how they, in turn, made 
the public pay tribute to the landlord class (not only 
indirectly for the amount assessed against those par- 
ticular premises, but, in the more circuitous way, for 
rents collected in other localities and already added 
to the selling price of the goods and commodities) by 
spreading this interest upon the price of every service 
or commodity the people were in need of. 

He said, "big signs were erected, urging the people 
to 'boost their city' and, if possible, to double its size 
within a certain number of years." 

"But", said I, "grandpa, the people would be drawn 
from some other city, and what difference did it make 



228 Dead Men's Shoes 

whether they paid tribute in Blunderville or Bungle- 
town. Were they happier in a larger city?" 

"No", he said, "they were more miserable. There, 
the ground values were so high that they could not 
hope to build their own homes, but a large number of 
families had to share the same building. But they 
came in order to obtain employment, for the same class 
that collected toll as landlords controlled the means of 
production and furnished employment — that was the 
system." 

Real estate was bought and held, not because the 
buyer had any special use for it, but with a view to 
speculation. And when the expected advance in value 
did not materialize rapidly enough, the holders would 
band together and ofifer large bonuses to manufactur- 
ing plants in other cities, that were seeking new loca- 
tions, to induce them to locate in this particular com- 
munity — not for the reason that they might thereby 
be able to serve the people better, but in order to give 
the holders of real estate the occasion to exact a heavy 
tribute from the large influx of new producers. 

But now we are soaring over the service section of 
Chicago. Directly beneath us is the railway station — 
what you would have called a union depot — , where 
centers all the lines entering Chicago and where rail 
and water transportation meet. 

Yonder, beyond the river, is the city administration 
building — or what you called the city hall — where the 
city council, a purely legislative and advisory body, 



Democracy Come True 229 

has its sessions. There, too, are the offices of the dif- 
ferent departments, which are all controlled by the city 
manager, who holds the only elective office in the 
executive branch of the city government. Adjoining 
it, to the right, is the federal building, with offices rep- 
resenting every department of the federal supervisory 
service. 

Here, grouped about and provided with shipping 
facilities by rail and water, we have the big co-opera- 
tive magazines, each carrying its special line of com- 
modities, ready for direct sale, or distribution to the 
service-stations. Stretching away on both sides of 
the two branches of the river, you see the large modern 
factories, equally well provided with shipping facilities 
by rail and water. 

Now we are swinging back over the south branch 
of the river, and this big white building is a piano 
factory, where my friend, Mr. Swiftbird, holds a posi- 
tion as bookkeeper. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r? 

Yes, certanly, he is part owner. He invests, little 
by little as occasion offers, some of his surplus earn- 
ings in the stock. 

We have now circled about and are approaching 
the north branch of the river. That large cream-col- 
ored building is the agricultural tractor plant where I 
started to work at the age of twenty, upon the com- 
pletion of my technical, manual and military training. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 



230 Dead Men's Shoes 

Oh yes, "military" ! Only, it is more athletic than 
military. The training is given every male as part of 
the curriculum, but I will tell you of that later. 

I am already part ow^ner in the tractor plant, but I 
am thinking seriously of selling the stock, or most of 
it, in order to buy a share in one of the outlying set- 
tlements and build a home. I shall not have sufficient 
for the undertaking, but the bank will lend me the 
balance. 

You see, we have done away with the old tribute 
and profit-squeezing system and have arranged the 
economic conditions in such a manner that the man 
who renders service receives the reward, without hav- 
ing to surrender any part of it to any vested interest, 
or to pay an inflated price for his necessities because 
someone is making a living by speculation. And the 
consequence is that all are anxious to render service, 
for there is absolutely no other way to gain a liveli- 
hood. For the same conditions prevail throughout the 
land. 

But here we are at home. Just flutter in and be 
sure you do not claim one another's bones, for we 
have but very few lawyers. 

The judiciary machinery has been very much re- 
duced, as has the police force: in fact, we have no 
police force as you understand that term. The force 
extant serves more in the nature of doing watch duty 
— for the regulation of traffic and the rendering of in- 
formation and assistance in the service section. In 



Democracy Come True 231 

the residence section the man who has charge of the 
service-station is ex-officio peace officer, and it is the 
duty of every citizen to assist him. 

We have only one penal institution in the whole 
country, and capital punishment has been abolished. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ! 

What's that? 

''The country overrun with criminals !" 

Our economic system does not make criminals, 
quite the contrary, it has a tendency to bring out and 
develop the best in every man and woman. Moreover, 
we do not permit the manufacture and sale of physical 
and moral poison in the form of high percentage alco- 
holic drinks. We have no slums or tenement districts 
or other suitable places for criminals to breed and de- 
velop in. Why, we have not even any of your large 
apartment-houses or hotels, except the service hotel in 
the vicinity of the railway station — ^but who would 
wish to live in the service section? Hotel accommo- 
dation may be obtained at any service-station, but 
these places are so surcharged with the predominant 
clean family life which environs and maintains them 
that they are extremely poor soil for the fostering of 
vicious tendencies. 

In your generation you learned to change fever 
and disease-breeding swamps into sanitary and pro- 
ductive areas, but it remained for subsequent genera- 
tions to change the vice and crime-breeding cities of 



232 Dead Men's Shoes 

former days into beautiful and good-fellowship inspir- 
ing areas of habitation. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ? 

Oh, yes ! Occasionally, crimes are committed. Hu- 
manity, I presume, never will be infallible. 

In the case of manslaughter, when the guilty per- 
son evinces due repentance, he is compelled to make 
amends, so far as it is possible to do so through his 
labor, to the relatives and dependents of the victim. 

If the murder is wilful, deliberate and premedi- 
tated — ^because of revenge, jealousy, robbery, or sim- 
ilar motives — we do what the Bible tells us God did 
to the first murderer: we brand him, so that all may 
see and recognize him in his true color. 

If he is a degenerate, he is branded and confined. 

Those found guilty of malfeasance in office, who 
have, for their own financial gain, abused the trust 
placed in them, are put out of office, stripped of their 
gain, if that is possible, and given a special brand which 
renders them unfit for anything but the coarsest labor. 

It is true that while the death penalty has been 
abolished, some of these branded men deliberately 
choose death, self-inflicted, in preference to the shame, 
distrust and contempt which naturally becomes their 
portion. But that is their privilege — since they have 
abused the trust placed in them by free men, where 
they had equal opportunities with the rest, they must 
not, by sufferance, parade as honest miCn among honest 
men. 



Democracy Come True 233 

These are extreme examples, for probation is ex- 
tended in the case of minor delinquencies: but not- 
withstanding that, even these cannot escape the cloud 
on their record, for their registration cards show the 
mark which society has placed against them. 

A few days ago, in the public library, I read a copy 
of an old newspaper, printed nearly a hundred years 
ago. (By the way, you would find our present-day 
newspaper dull reading, for we have very little of sen- 
sational murder cases and not any spicy "smart set" 
divorce cases — since we have dispensed with that gold- 
age luxury, high society.) It seems, according to the 
old newspaper, a campaign was on to abolish a cer- 
tain industry as being inimical to public welfare. And 
the main plea of the opposition was that such a course 
would deprive a large army of men of their employ- 
ment, who would then crowd onto the already over- 
filled avenues of other occupations. 

And, so far as I can judge, the plea of the opposi- 
tion contained a large measure of justice. For since 
the other occupations were already over-crowded and 
there was no systematic regulation and control of in- 
dustry as a whole, it would require considerable time 
and cause widespread suffering before matters could 
adjust themselves satisfactorily. 

Some of you that are present probably were inter- 
ested in that campaign, possibly on the opposition side. 

What do you think when I tell you that we have 
no enforced idleness although we have not only com- 



234 Dead Men's Shoes 

pletely abolished that industry, but to the men closed 
out of that occupation are added a large number of 
policemen, lawyers, judges, jailers, stockbrokers, board 
of trade operators, bankers, real estate men, and all 
their auxiliaries; to which may be supplemented the 
numerous small tradesmen with their assistants, who 
carried on a precarious business under your effort- 
wasting system. 

There can be no gainsaying that most of these, 
under your system, rendered useful service. But hav- 
ing changed the system, they, with the descendants of 
the capitalist and landlord class, became a valuable 
adjunct to the producers — making possible the great 
reduction in the necessary work-hours, aside from re- 
moving the heavy load which the producer formerly 
carried. 

I forgot to tell you that the manager of the shoe 
factory, a few days ago, offered father a better posi- 
tion, with higher pay : but father has declined. Father 
has obtained a patent on an invention that he has been 
working on for several years. 

Having incorporated, ten per cent of the total 
number of shares will be issued to him, pro rata, as 
the balance is sold. Of course, the stock will be of- 
fered, and sold, through the usual channel, the local 
branch of the federal service. However, the proceeds, 
in this instance, do not remain with the government, 
but are turned over to the management of the new 
corporation, to be used in establishing the new service. 



Democracy Come True 235 

Obviously, the general public is not conversant with 
the practical value of the new invention : that remains 
yet to be demonstrated. But many of father's friends 
have confidence in it and have bought some of the 
stock. And so, father is going to look for a location 
— ^probably in the Terminal Building, where the desired 
Space, with power, may be rented — and begin manu- 
facturing, on a small scale. When the public learns 
of the practical value of the new invention, the stock 
will naturally sell and the increased bidding will ad- 
vance the price. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ? 

No. It was not obligatory to incorporate. He 
could have started in a limited way by himself and if 
the manufactured article proved of exceptional supe- 
rior worth, obtained a high price and outsold all com- 
petition, since his patent protected him against in- 
fringement. (For while we no longer try to outdo 
one another by working longer hours or for less pay, 
we still have the competition of efficiency — ^the rivalr>^ 
to excel one another in the superior merit of the work 
accomplished, and by means of that obtain the greater 
reward.) But at his death, the concern would be in- 
corporated and the shares ofifered to the public in small 
lots and sold to the highest bidder. 

Father has ten years more before he will be en- 
titled to draw pension ; and I do not think he will be- 
gin to draw it then, unless he is incapacitated for work. 



236 Dead Men's Shoes 

Of course, drawing a pension would disqualify him 
from receiving an adult's quota of work-hours. 

Brrr-rrr-rrr-rr-rr. 

Oh, "the schooling and training of the youths". 

That reminds me of an argument I once enjoyed 
listening to between father and grandpa. 

Grandpa told of two twin brothers brought to this 
country at the tender age of ten. They were as much 
alike, in every way, as some of the gold-coins in the 
local museum. But upon landing, their ways parted 
and they did not meet again for fourteen years. 

In the meantime, to one, the oldest, had been ex- 
tended the best facilities for acquiring an education: 
being moved from school to school as he progressed 
and finally finished with a course in one of our best 
universities. 

The other gained his schooling as best he could — 
common school and not over-much of that. At the age 
of fourteen he obtained employment in a machine shop 
and, being faithful and industrious, was encouraged 
to learn the trade, with the result that at twenty-four 
he was one of the most skilful workmen in the shop. 

Then the meeting took place. Grandpa said, the 
elder appeared a polished gentleman, with every grace- 
ful accomplishment at the tips of his fingers — ^being 
able to discourse learnedly and interestingly upon most 
every subject imaginable. 

The younger appeared a common workman, rather 
awkward; he could talk "shop", but had only a hazy, 



Democracy Come True 237 

smattering knowledge of things in general, most of 
which had been gained by cursory newspaper reading. 

Grandpa insisted^ one wlas educated, the other 
merely trained. 

Father said, they were both educated, or both 
trained; and that one was as ignorant as the other, 
should they change places. In fact, he believed the 
younger was at the moment the better equipped, for 
he was already rendering service, he had specialized 
and turned his knowledge to account. 

The other, he said, had been stuffed full with other 
men's thoughts and it still remained for him to adjust 
himself in some specific line of service — it still re- 
mained to be seen whether he was able to think 
thoughts of his own and bring them forth in deeds, 
however humble. 

Notwithstanding that, he acknowledged, it was an 
excellent foundation to build upon. 

Our educational system is planned with a view to 
the simultaneous training of the mind and the hand; 
and with the object of developing a healthy, vigorous 
body, as well as a healthy and vigorous mind. We do 
not only aim to instill in the young minds the knowl- 
edge acquired and recorded by former generations, but 
by every means and facility we seek to encourage and 
develop latent talents. 

As the scholar advances, he is encouraged to spe- 
cialize in those subjects in which he has shown the 
greatest aptitude: knowing that when he later recog- 



238 Dead Men's Shoes 

nizes his deficiency in some subject which he needs a 
better knowledge of in order to progress in his chosen 
work he will take up and study that subject to better 
advantage. For we aim to study so long as we live: 
and for that reason we do not wish, at any time, to 
make the acquisition of knowledge a task, but to dis- 
pense it in such a way that study becomes a craving 
and a pleasure. 

As the boys grow older, the athletic, or military, 
training is made more strenuous, and team-work is 
practiced to the fullest extent. 

At the age of sixteen they are given an apportion- 
ment of two hundred work-hours, which is increased 
year by year until, upon becoming of age, they receive 
the full adult quota. From the time they begin to 
receive work-hour allotments the manual and technical 
training is intensified, permitting them to acquire a 
thorough knowledge of their chosen work. 

The education of the girls is radically different. 

Since, in the carrying on of the world's work 
throughout the ages from generation to generation, 
man is essentially the provider, the maintainer, the de- 
fender; w^oman is the home-maker, the beautifier, the 
comforter. So have we planned the education of the 
boys along practical lines, to fit them for life's duty; 
so have we planned the education of the girls along 
esthetic lines, to fit them for life's duty. 

The woman of our era is pre-eminently the acquirer 
of general knowledge — she ddves into history to its 



Democracy Come True 239 

remotest period, she studies languages, music and art, 
she is well versed in all scientific topics. She is not 
so much a specialist, except in isolated instances — it is 
for man to specialize^ — , but she is the incarnation of 
everything that is inspiring, lofty and beautiful; and 
thus she unconsciously molds and influences man to 
strive to attain, and maintain, a high standard. 

Woman, throughout the ages, has been held in sub- 
jection — her destiny was shaped and controlled to 
serve the dominating arrangement of man; she was 
not a free agent. The crude and rude mode of life 
compelled her to adapt herself as subordinate to man's 
whims and fancies, with the result that she becamie 
either a petted doll to cajole the favor of her lord and 
master, or the irrational petty tyrant of the domestic 
hearth. But through it all, in spite of the hampering 
conditions and the inability to foster and give free, ef- 
fectual, expression to the mankind redeeming quali- 
ties which nature has endowed her with, there still per- 
sisted the innate craving for the beautiful, the finer 
sensibility, the spiritual, poetic longing for something 
above the material things which man's grosser nature 
could only vaguely divine. 

The woman of your age strove for freedom, to 
clear herself from the trammels and toils that custom 
and tradition had fastened upon her. But in doing so 
she thought the way to freedom was to usurp the 
status of man. She longed for an independent career, 
such as man carved out for himself ; she aped man in 
mode of dress, in manners, speech and vices; she 



240 Dead Men's Shoes 

stroA^e to be what nature had not ordained her for; 
she lacked poise : she failed to discern that a career, in 
the majority of cases, is merely the means for gaining 
a livelihood — and that is man's duty to provide^ — and 
that her own mission in life is distinct and lies en- 
tirely apart from that of man, and is in every way as 
worthy, if not worthier, for all of man's efforts are 
subservient to that end. 

Our churches, too, are different from those of your 
days. 

You will find no odor of sulphur about them ; and 
there is an entire absence of the old-time religious 
fervor, and more of the deep, calm, spiritual earnest- 
ness which Christ manifested in all his ministrations. 

We do not concern ourselves so much about the 
next life, but more about the duties of this ; resting 
content that if the Supreme Power, or God, which 
decreed that we should enter this life by means of the 
functioning of immutable laws of nature, has destined 
us for another life, we shall enter upon that life in 
conformity wnth some immutable law of nature which 
our belief, or disbelief, cannot alter, but which our 
character building, or lack of it, possibly, may. For 
while man has been able to faintly trace some of the 
physical laws that govern the cosmic organization, 
there may be psychic laws, equally immutable, equalty 
inexorable, but of which our limited human intelli- 
gence can never hope to form but the vaguest conjec- 
tures. 



Democracy Come True 241 

And so we strive to do our duty as between man 
and man, between woman and woman and between 
man and woman, not with the hope of thereby earn- 
ing heaven hereafter, but with the aim of having 
heaven here — and not worry about matters that are be- 
yond us. 

Our churches are potent factors in our social and 
intellectual life — they are beacon lights which point 
and guide the way to a nobler and better life. 

I have no desire to hurt your feelings, but I cannot 
help remembering how during the great world war you 
and your enemies alike prayed to the same God to 
assist you, to grant you success, to give you victory, so 
that you could then, in peace, return to the same in- 
iquitous conditions which had brought on the bloody 
carnage. 

Brrr-rrr-rr-rr-r ! 

Oh, did I? 

Well, I do not blame you for wishing to change the 
subject. But as to "her" I feel a little diffident, and 
would rather not have said anything, but the fact that 
you shall soon resume your "wooden overcoats" makes 
it less embarrassing. 

She is the daughter of the president of our co- 
operative tractor plant. And the first time I saw her 
was a little more than a year ago when she, strolling 
through the machinery hall, stopped to view the cut- 
ting of the tool of the lathe which I was operating. 
Her father was with her and introduced us, which 



242 Dead Men's Shoes 

gave me the opportunity to explain the working of 
the machine, and incidentally, to observe the calm, 
frank intelligence that beamed from her eyes. 

The next time I miet her, we were both in bathing 
togs, on a beach in Southern California. There was a 
mutual feeling — she acknowledged her part later — of 
meeting an old friend. 

There, during our sojourn, we became the best of 
comrades — nothing more; although we both felt that 
the future held a world of potentialities. We learned 
to know one another, to commune in frank, good fel- 
lowship, to enjoy one another's society, to confide in 
one another and discuss any subject without reserva- 
tion. And never, even for an instant, did the sense of 
sex obtrude itself upon our fellowship or color our 
liking for one another, except in so far as each of us 
represented the opposite which throughout nature un- 
consciously seeks and finds harmony in conjunction 
with the other. (For sex is the common allurement of 
any woman — the meanest harpy, the most worthless, 
resorts to it as her most potently blinding charm — : 
why then, since I have man's superior intelligence, let 
my choice be influenced by that which every beast in 
the jungle grants its mate?) 

And so we parted, without any deeper understand- 
ing, or further preparatory measure than that I should 
call on her when she, later, arrived in Chicago. 

On the return trip, it seemed as if someone near and 
dear had gone out of my life ; and yet a balm entered 



Democracy Come True 243 

my soul when the thought came that I was but hurry- 
ing towards the place where I would, again, see her. 

And then the inevitable climax towards which we 
were both tending stood out in bold relief and I felt 
glad. But still I questioned myself: "Was this the 
'one' woman who held my cup of happiness?" And 
not only that, but what was of more importance, the 
deciding test, and for which I calmly searched my 
soul of all its memories of her: "Did she possess those 
attributes which I would love to see reproduced in 
my children?" 

As calmly my soul answered, unreservedly: "Yes, 
she is the 'one' " — and all the way back to Chicago, 
the cars clankingly re-echoed, "The One, The One, 
The One". 

Some time later when I called on her at her father's 
abode, in Michigan Avenue, there was no real need for 
the spoken word, or query. For at the first glance 
we both intuitively knew that the other had passed 
through the same ordeal and arrived at the same con- 
clusion; nor was there any feint at evasion on her 
part, she met me frankly, half way — it was her affair 
as much as mine. 

The cave-man went out with a club, effectively sub- 
dued his rival, and grasping the object of his desire 
by the hair, pulled her, willy-nilh^, into his lair. 

The knight of old performed deeds of valor, to 
prove himself the best man in the field for his lady's 
heart and hand. Having won her, he immured her in 



244 Dead Men's Shoes 

his moat-protected castle, for safe keeping, while he 
went about and proved by actual demonstrations that 
he had lost none of his prowess, but continued worthy 
to receive his lady's favor. 

The man of the gold-age discarded the sword and 
other crude instruments and labored earnestly to rob 
his fellow men by legal methods — or peradventure his 
father had done it for him. And with the glittering 
tinsel and the hollow titles accompanying 'it, he 
charmed the maid of his choice, until his fancy was 
attracted by the fresher blush of a younger maid, when 
his tinsel served the double purpose of dazzling the 
new flame and allaying the ire of the displaced one. 

Or perchance his store of tinsel needed replenish- 
ment. Here was a chance truly worthy of his metal 
— to offer his love unalloyed in exchange for tinsel 
unalloyed. 

But the. modern man has only himself to offer — 
his heart, his head and his hands — and, behold, it suf- 
fices. For never, in all history, have men and women 
lived in closer and happier relation than in our days. 

And so, we two shall soon start hand in hand down 
the path of life, unimpeded by the dead weight of her 
father's wealth, which can neither smile nor frown 
upon us. Joyously knowing that my labor and in- 
dustry shall suffice to fill all our needs ; and that if our 
union is blessed with children, they will enter a world 
based upon, and regulated by, just principles, where 
it is not a struggle and a hardship but a pleasure to live. 



Democracy Come True 245 

And now, before your departure, look and examine 
yourselves in yonder large mirror. See how dry and 
clean picked are your bones : the worms have indeed 
fattened upon you. What have you gained by your 
insatiable greed and your insistent maintenance of the 
unjust conditions? 

The earth is large, there is room for all, and our 
labor can produce abundantly for all, if intelligently 
organized^ — and all you received in the end is what 
you now possess, your six feet of sod. 

Please depart softly, for here comes The One, and 
I do not wish her to hear the hollow tramp of dead 
men's shoes. 




013 719 586 



